Wairarapa Midweek Wed 29th March

From Manawatú

with love

generous

erin.kavanagh-hall@age.co.nz

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

Staff and pupils from Halcombe School in Manawatū paid a visit to flood-weary Tinui last week, bearing gifts for their Wairarapa counterparts – new books, personalised care packages, and even an ice

On discovering Tinui School had faced significant damage and disruption thanks to Cyclone Gabrielle, Halcombe pledged all funds from its annual swimathon to help the Wairarapa school recover.

the more than $13,000 raised went towards reading materials, portable

brand new teaching and learning resources, which the Halcombe crew drove over last week: Among them, sports equipment,

whiteboards, petrol vouchers, and – much to the children’s delight –skateboards, helmets and ramps.

To raise the spirits, Halcombe also brought a signed Hurricanes jersey, chocolate for the pupils, and a local ice cream

Continued on page 6

TINUI SCHOOL

A

ÿ nancial donation and a truckload of resources from a fellow rural community have left Tinui School sta° "speechless" and "humbled".

HALCOMBE SCHOOL

History

Cradle of trust

The Public Trust building is a jewel of Masterton architecture, at 100 years old.

Marlene Ditchfield talks to locals about this corner landmark. Pages 4,5 & 27.

Education

Opportunity for young divers

A diving programme is taking youth to new levels of education underwater. Full story Page 8.

Greytown Music Group

Internationally acclaimed solo pianist is on his way to Wairarapa to open a concert series in April. Full story Page 14.

Relay for Life

Forest & Bird

Chris Peterson highlights a century of the ‘Twig & Tweet’ society and the man who established it. Full story Page 18.

Puzzles 33 Classifieds 34 Sport 35

Community Lifestyle 16-27 Rural 28-29 Business 30-31 Events 32

Chin champion opens ‘ranch’

A chinchilla expert who has returned to Wairarapa to run her non-profit chinchilla rescue service is calling for unusual donations – of rose petals and willow sticks.

Jody Raharuhi and her partner Steve Lilley moved to Carterton from Wellington with their 20 pet chinchillas and 10 rescue chinchillas last month. They set up their chinchilla ‘’ranch’’ near Raharuhi’s family.

Chinchillas, small rodents known for their very dense, soft fur, have delicate stomachs, and can eat only special chinchilla pellets and meadow hay. They can have treats of dried rose petals, buds and hips, and sticks from apple and pear trees, twisted willow, weeping willow and poplars.

They cannot eat fresh food, only dried, and no sugar, nuts, seeds, fruit or vegetables.

Raharuhi described “chins” as a cross between a rabbit and a “chubby rat” with a fluffy tail.

“Their fur is soft like a velvet cloud,” she said. “Chins can become very friendly with the right person but most are very shy and don’t like to be touched. They can’t generally be picked up and hugged like a kitten.”

Her love for the animals began more than 36 years

ago, when she first saw chinchillas in a pet shop in Wellington.

“They seemed so sad, so withdrawn. They are nocturnal animals, so they didn’t like being poked and prodded by children, or having their cage banged on. And they didn’t like bright lights,” she said.

“From then on, I pledged to learn everything I could and help save as many chins in New Zealand as possible. I’ve spent most of my life researching, caring for and saving chins and sharing information about them.”

Six years ago, Raharuhi

started a nationwide rescue service through social media and word-of-mouth.

Native to the Andes Mountains of northern Chile, chinchillas are bred in New Zealand and sold for $200-$700 each. Sadly, unsafe backyard breeding takes place: With inbreeding causing health issues, or the chinchillas’ specific dietary and sanitary needs not being met.

“The chins we rescue have come from those who can’t care for them properly, or have been taken away due to bad care,” Raharuhi said.

Treats at kids’ Easter market

If you’re an entrepreneurial youngster who likes to “make, grow or collect things”, there’s a place for you at the Wairarapa Farmer’s Market this Easter.

Next weekend, the Farmer’s Market will be hosting its bi-annual Kids Market – inviting children and young people to hold their own stalls and sell their wares.

Coordinator Lyn Tankersley said the Farmers’ Market held

two children’s events last year, attracting a variety of stallholders. Products on offer have included baked goods, toffee apples, pinecones and kindling, pot plants, organic fertilisers – such as worm wee and horse and pony manure.

Tankersley said this year’s market will have an Easter theme, and will include “a visit from the Easter Bunny and a friend”, as well as face-painting and a rock

painting corner. Young musicians are invited to busk at the event.

• The Special Kids Market will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 9am to 1pm, at Solway Showgrounds. Please use the Judds Road entrance. Children’s stalls are free to book. To register your interest, email waifmnews@gmail. com.

“Because of incorrect information and care, New Zealand has lost about three-quarters of our chins. We are trying to spread [information about] the correct care and save as many as we can.”

Her service is free and her rescue work is voluntary, with no donations or funding. Raharuhi is well known in chinchilla circles: “I’m the only person in New Zealand to be associated with the Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative, a United States-based organisation. My mentor is Narcissus Kimball, who breeds show chinchillas in Idaho.”

Her private Facebook page has more than 1200 members from New Zealand and overseas. People contact Raharuhi through the page, alerting her to chinchillas that need rescuing or rehoming. She and Lilley also make

chinchilla-safe cages, toys and treats.

“Chins are amazing wee creatures that bring joy to a lot of people,” Raharuhi said.

There are five colours of chinchillas known in New Zealand: common grey, homozygous beige, heterozygous beige, black velvet and brown velvet [the rarest].

Raharuhi’s favourite chinchilla, called Chilli, was a former rescue animal that died at the age of 25.

“Chilli loved cuddles and snuggles, pats and tickles. It is very rare to have a chinchilla who loves to be touched as much as Chilli did. She was my therapy pet and helped me with my health conditions.”

People assumed chinchillas bite or smell like rats or mice, which was wrong, she said.

“Chins only bite if petrified or cornered. They would rather run than have

confrontations of any type. They do not smell at all unless mistreated, or if not given access to dust baths in proper volcanic ash.

“They talk to you, or other chins, with little noises. Sometimes they make a ‘barking’ sound when scared, but they are very quiet creatures.”

For locals wanting to help the chinchilla rescue effort, as well as rose petals, buds and hips, Raharuhi will gratefully receive donations of hay, sticks as listed above, sawdust, building materials for chinchilla shelters and help with veterinary care.

• To donate to the rescue service, search for the Facebook page Chinchillas New Zealand – Mystic Chins, or contact Jody Raharuhi via email at mysticvampyre@xtra. co.nz, or on 027 580 6212 [text only].

Chinchilla expert Jody Raharuhi’s favourite chinchilla, Chilli, lived to 25 years old.

Malia [left] and Grace Vergunst, of “Malia and Gracie’s Sweet Shop” – one of the stalls at last year’s Kids Market.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

Chinchillas need dust baths in special volcanic ash and keep themselves very clean.

Chinchillas are small rodents known for their velvety dense fur. Their numbers are declining New Zealand. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Housing a full century of trust

Tra° c thunders past the old Public Trust building, a heritage beauty perched on the corner of Chapel and Perry Streets in Masterton. Some glance and admire its architecture, but few know that, for a time, it housed the founding document of New Zealand.

thunders Trust building, OUT OFTHE PAST

Within, there are six solid steel vaults, a working wrought-iron birdcage elevator, and a period resting room for the vulnerable ladies of the past. A distinguished record for a building which celebrates its 100th birthday in 2023.

MARLENE DITCHFIELD ÿ nds

The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of New Zealand and was signed in 1840 by the British Crown and 540 Māori chiefs.

It is New Zealand’s historical equivalent to the Declaration of Independence – intended to establish British governorship but also recognise Māori land rights and ownership.

In the decades following the signing, successive governments ignored its significance. But by the 1930s, a renewed interest and acknowledgment of the document had emerged.

Just months before Japan attacked Pearl Harbour and Malaya, the New Zealand Government made the decision to move the Treaty away from Wellington, deciding the city would be a prime bombing target. On October 15, 1941, the under-secretary of Internal Affairs, Joseph Heenan, instructed that the Treaty documents and associated historical records be moved to Masterton.

Christmas Eve 1941 –two cases carrying the precious cargo were sent by rail to their hiding place. It wasn’t such a hiding place, however – one case was so large it could not get through the internal doors of Masterton’s Public Trust

out more.

office, and sat in a corner of the foyer. The Treaty was in the smaller case, and was safely housed in a vault on the ground floor. It remained there until September 1945, after the war ended.

The Masterton Public Trust building was erected in 1923 – one of 16 eventually built around the country, including the iconic Lambton Quay corner structure. It was a solid statement in Wairarapa, showing the Public Trust confidence in the region.

The building’s solid reinforced concrete walls and ornate battlements have impressively withstood major earthquakes – including the 1942 Wairarapa earthquakes, which devastated many Masterton properties. There are two vaults on each floor, of which innovative use has been made by present day tenants. At Lorna Potter Beauty Therapy on the ground floor, one is a massage room, while the other stores hair colouring products. On the first floor, Steve Sale Financial and Mortgage Brokers uses a vault for its files and, on the top floor, one makes an interesting addition to the rooftop apartment. The vaults were an important part of the Public Trust service, offering secure

holding of people’s wills, business, and personal records.

During the 1930s Depression, Public Trust advertised vigorously and reassured people that:

“The state-guaranteed Public Trust Office is a safeguard against worry, anxiety, and loss for testators’ dependants.”

By 1939, the Masterton building had 22 staff including a District Public Trustee and in-house solicitor. There were two small sub-branches in Pahiatua and Carterton. Many accounting firms acted as agents for Public Trust.

Retired accountant

Jeff Thomas still lives in Masterton and was the District Public Trustee from 1978-1991. He remembers the Trust taking a key role in estate administration.

Bill Teahan was the District Accountant and Bert Smith the Farm Supervisor. Many were long-standing staff – like Maureen Russell, who served 48 years.

The building houses the only operating birdcage

elevator in Wairarapa. Worked in wrought iron, the doors opening on both sides, it was made by Stevens and Co of Glasgow. It moves graciously between the floors once the concertina door is locked into place. Should the cable break, claw feet open to stop the lift falling. It is serviced and certified annually. A technician once noted that despite being a century

old, the lift is in “great condition”, and more modern lifts can be “a lot more troublesome”.

The closest similar lift, still operating, is at Parliament in Wellington. Another interesting aspect is a flight of narrow steps from the ground floor to a mezzanine floor with its own toilet facilities. These rooms, with opening north-facing windows, were created to cater for menstruating female employees who could rest from the hurly burly of the office. Today, they are used by Lorna Potter as tearooms. The toilet doors are original – wooden with dimpled glass and Bakelite door handles.

In 2008, Masterton District Council [MDC] removed the building from its Earthquakeprone Building Register following an independent assessment by a seismic engineer. This was reviewed in 2013, much to the relief of current owner Dick Quinn. However, in 2021, MDC advised around 50 Masterton building owners that, because of new assessment criteria introduced by MBIE in 2017, they now required a new revised engineer’s assessment. That was obtained for the Public Trust building based on the 2017 rules, described by Quinn as “strict and onerous guidelines” – and which now classify his building as earthquakeprone. There is a sevenyear time frame to complete required work.

“Given the iconic nature

of the building and its architectural importance to the town, we continue to work with engineers on resolving this,” Quinn said. Quinn purchased the building in 1999 – with an interest in architecture from years in real estate,

he spied a “heritage building in need of some care and attention.” By that stage, Public Trust had moved into standalone premises in Queen Street. Quinn gutted the interior to discover many features such as

the Australian maple and cedar stairway, and superb two-metre-high American oak panel doors. These days, there are two main tenants and two apartments in the upper floors – popular, thanks to eye-watering views of

Masterton and the Tararua Range. For decades, the top floor was the Public Trust staff cafeteria.

Jane Smith purchased the hair salon and beauty therapy business from Lorna Potter in 2021. She cherishes the heritage

aspect the rooms offer her clients. “People say they feel like the building is giving them a warm hug when they enter.”

On the first floor, Steve Sale enjoys working in such an impressive building. “Clients like its

solidity and it helps us present a similar image with our service.” The 100-year-old building has many stories to tell. Long may they continue.

For the story on Public Trust, see page 27.

There are three categories: Over 14 Years; 14 Years and under; Groups (2 or more)

Saturday 20 May 11am – 7pm | Carterton School, Holloway Street, Carterton SEMI #1

Saturday 3 June 7pm | Makoura College, Makoura Road, Masterton SEMI #2

Saturday 10 June 7pm | Kuranui College, East Street,

Je˜ Thomas was the Wairarapa District Public Trustee 1978-1991. PHOTO/MARLENE DITCHFIELD

Tra

The Public Trust building in the 1930s.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The building’s birdcage elevator – the only working lift of its kind in Wairarapa.

PHOTO/MARLENE DITCHFIELD

Rural schools united

truck, Mrs Kool – wellpatronised by all ages.

Halcombe also presented Tinui with a cheque for $5,500 to spend as the school wished.

Cyclone Gabrielle has been particularly traumatic for Tinui School. Its Charles St premises were severely damaged -- leaving it to run out of a temporary set-up at the nearby Community Hall and Playgroup building – and several school families have lost homes or livelihoods.

Principal Simon Couling said the school community was deeply touched by Halcombe’s “unbelievable” generosity and the whanaungatanga [kinship] it has formed with the Manawatū school as a result.

“We knew when they said how much they’d made from the swimathon that we might get spoiled – but they went above and beyond. We were speechless.

“Dealing with the flood has been overwhelming for our community – but it’s amazing to know there are people out there who want to help, no questions asked.

“As teachers, it’s been

difficult – a lot of basic tasks now take five times as long. It’s been a huge help to have fellow teachers say, ‘We know it’s been tough. What can we do for you?’

“We feel humbled and honoured.”

Halcombe principal Alastair Schaw said his school, about 10kms from Feilding, has its camp at Castlepoint each year and calls in to visit Tinui School on the way.

He said he was “astounded” to see the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle unfold on social media and its impact on Tinui.

“We saw a photo of the Tinui Pub, which had been flooded, on Facebook –and thought, ‘if the pub is underwater, what on earth is happening to the school?’

“We knew they could do with some help. At school, we’re all about treating others as you’d expect to be treated – and we wanted to do something to help other rural people.”

Despite patchy phone and internet access, Halcombe deputy principal Di Simpson connected with Tinui teacher Mieke Couling – who confided that most of the school’s

resources had been wiped out in the flood.

Halcombe’s staff and board then agreed to donate 100 per cent of the proceeds from its swimathon to Tinui – a grand total of $13,310.

Schaw said the event, which had pupils team up to swim the distance between Halcombe and Tinui – about 2,700 laps of the school pool – had an “outstanding response”.

“We had parents swimming laps, our older kids were giving the little ones piggyback rides to help them over the finish line, lots of people

were cheering from the sidelines.

“Parents whose kids haven’t even started school yet offered to do some laps and give a donation.

“We had an extreme amount of support – we were blown away.”

Mieke Couling said both school communities had “a wonderful day” together last week – and the Tinui children were particularly excited to receive an individual care package assembled by the Halcombe pupils.

Each package contained chocolate, a rugby ball, and handwritten letters from their new friends.

“I keep hearing from their parents that the letters from Halcombe are their most treasured items,” she said.

“As we were waving goodbye, the kids kept saying things like, ‘I’m going to miss my new

friends’, and ‘I got heaps of phone numbers!’ It was really special.”

Simon Couling said the remaining funds from Halcombe would be put towards upgrading the school playground – and to replace the wooden confidence course, which had been destroyed by the cyclone.

Mieke Couling said the school has also received an outpouring of support from Wairarapa schools –including a donation drive coordinated by Douglas Park, and a day out in Masterton courtesy of Masterton Intermediate.

“They organised a bus into Masterton for the kids, and they got to do 10-pin bowling, go swimming, and have pizza in the park with the MIS students,” she said.

“It was great – they got to get away from the silt for a day and just be kids.”

Halcombe School pupils hand out individual care packages to the Tinui School youngsters.

A Tinui pupil is engrossed in one of the letters from her care package. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Pupils and staff queue up for ice creams from Mrs Kool.

If you had one chance to start again, what would you keep?

What would you lose?

We’re keeping 021, keeping the Warriors, keeping global roaming, keeping the music, keeping more dollars here in NZ, losing UK ownership and control, gaining the freedom to do more for you.

Learning to dive in order to rise

Flynn Nicholls flynn.nicholls@age.co.nz

Tu Ora Compass Health has launched a new programme called Hi Ika to support local rangatahi [youth] in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on diving.

Local diver Dalkeith Matiaha, who is part of the Tu Ora Maori and population health team, developed the programme to teach leadership and diving skills to young people as a means to improve their health and wellbeing.

Matiaha said Hi Ika was based on the core values of his dive crew, The Brothaz of Tangaroa, which he founded in 2015.

The initial group of six to eight boys are learning about traditional fishing and kai [food] gathering practices as well as learning about tikanga [Maori customs], te taiao [nature], and whakapapa [lineage].

The 12-week programme started last week with a formal welcome, followed by a session at the Masterton pool, with lessons on water safety and breathing techniques.

Matiaha said it was important to get the basics correct before heading out to the coastline.

“We never had that growing up; we were just thrown in the water and told to hold the bag, and if you didn’t, you got in trouble, either from your elders or from the sea.

“The start-to-finish process isn’t just getting in

the car going to get the kai and then that’s it; there’s so much more depth to that which needs to be expressed and taught,” he said.

“With the amount of water-related incidents happening today, it’s

ABOVE: Programme founder Dalkeith Matiaha said Hi Ika is based on the core values of his dive crew, The Brothaz of Tangaroa.

LEFT: Tu Ora’s new programme Hi Ika is supporting local rangatahi [youth] in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on diving.

clear there are areas that need to be addressed. The focus seems to be more about getting the biggest and best catch, pushing our limits, and taking unnecessary risks.

“We need to channel that focus to the things that are important, like doing our part to protect and sustain our resources and making sure getting home safely is the priority of our dive.”

Matiaha said the programme Hi Ika is about

PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

creating great leaders, not great divers.

“The guts of Hi Ika and the Brothaz of Tangaroa kaupapa [mission] is built around the very first practice known to mankind – to hunt, gather, and provide – not because of what it is, but because of the values that come from that.”

Tu Ora population health manager Rawiri Blundell said the mainstream education system has “not always

been conducive to how our rangatahi learn” and that Hi Ika “is addressing some of those issues”.

“To place them into a learning environment they feel connected to and feel confident in contributing, that is success,” Blundell said.

“Our rangatahi want to be heard and be listened to in their daily lives. Hi Ika ensures their feelings, thoughts, and views are valued and that their input is celebrated.

“When we have Maori mentors that actually have skin in the game and understand some of the challenges that our rangatahi Maori are having, it helps to ensure that the environment is safe for them.”

At the recent programme launch in Carterton, Matiaha said Hi Ika aims to empower young people to find their full potential in every aspect of life.

“It’s about ensuring the knowledge and tikanga of our tipuna [ancestors] continues to flourish in future generations.

“Our future leaders won’t always come with a clean slate and the best grades, some will come with battle wounds and a lifetime of disappointment, we need to invest in them too.”

Make memories with your family this Easter. This magical five day festival promises to be fun for the whole family, with glorious balloons filling the wonderful Wairarapa skies.

The Night Glow event on Saturday 8 April is not to be missed. 5 hours of action-packed entertainment. TICKETS

GardenYarn with GardenBarn

WE’VE GOT FRUIT TREES!

Don’t wait until winter, it’s prime planting time now

This is exciting! Planting in autumn will mean your trees will be healthier, stronger and will cope with the elements much better. You’ll also reap the rewards of home grown food sooner!

Most garden centres don’t get their new season trees until winter, but the group of independent garden centres we belong to (GIN) have secured an early delivery of a special range. Many of these special trees are exclusive to us here at GardenBarn, and when you see trees with the ican Harvest label you can be sure that particular variety has been chosen because it’s one of the best available. Get in quick to get ÿ rst pick! You will notice that these fruit trees are in nice hard plastic pots and they look very established in these pots. This is di° erent to what we receive in winter. The bare rooted trees are newly bagged up, whereas these trees have already settled in. Container grown means good results. These trees have been grown in containers since day one. This means they have established strong roots in a controlled environment and many can continue growing in containers, or plant them in the ground where they will settle in faster than bare root types.

PEACHES

RICH LADY

We are proud to be the EXCLUSIVE STOCKISTS of ican Harvest Trees

We have a selection of trees that are perfect for home gardens and you can be sure they’ll perform well because they’ve been hand picked by experts. The trees in the ican Harvest range have been selected for their excellent taste; reliable fruiting ability; ease to grow and suitability for smaller gardens many are suitable for growing in pots.

HERE’S A SAMPLE OF THE FRUIT TREE VARIETIES WE HAVE IN STORE

Large, juicy, yellow ˛ esh with a tangy ˛ avour. Can be picked over an extended period. Early season. Semi freestone.

ODDFELLOW

Flat, golden yellow fruit of a good size and ÿ rmness. Flesh is nonmelting with a spicy, sweet ˛ avour. The tree is an upright grower, vigorous and healthy.

PIXZEE ˜ DWARF

Highly coloured full sized freestone fruit with an excellent ˛ avour. Fruit ripens late January, and produces regular heavy crops. The spring blossoms are beautiful on a charming little tree with long bright green leaves.

BONANZA ˜ DWARF

Medium size fruit with yellow ˛ esh and a red blush. A delicious sweet ˛ avour, fruit ripens early summer, and tree grows to around 1.5m.

GOLDEN TATURA

Classic Golden Queen style peach ideal for eating and bottling.

Large, round fruit, sweet juicy gold ˛ esh. Ripens early.

BLACKBOY

Medium sized fruit on a tree that shows resistance to leaf curl.

Fruit ripens in March with port wine ˛ esh and skin. A good dessert and bottling variety.

WHITE PRINCESS

A new variety, with large red fruit with sweet and juicy white ˛ esh. A reliable cropper, showy in blossom and in fruit.

Ripens mid summer. Freestone.

SWEET PERFECTION

Dwarf Peach trees are perfect for small home gardens, or large containers

PEARS CONFERENCE

A regular heavy cropper on a self fertile tree. The fruit is sweet and juicy with green skin with some russeting.

APPLES

SWEETIE

A large, earlier maturing apple with good ˛ avour, texture and fruit size. A good alternative for Royal Gala.

LIBERTY

A mid season cropper that is delicious eaten fresh, cooked or use to make cider.

CRIMSON SPIRE ˜ COLUMNAR

Ideal for small gardens growing to only 3m tall and 60cm wide. A late eating apple that is ˛ avoursome and crisp.

PINKIE

CHERRIES

GRUMPY ˜ DWARF

Attractive weeping habit with heavy crops of bright red cherries with sharp taste, ideal for cooking or juicing. Dwarf tree looks stunning in blossom. Self fertile.

COMPACT STELLA

˜ DWARF

A semi-dwarf, growing approx. 4m x 3m. Self fertile & produces reliable heavy crops from a young age.

A disease resistant, mid season cropper that forms a small weeping tree. The fruit has a good acid/sugar balance.

TOPAZ

A modern disease resistant medium to large apple with yellow skin overlaid with red & crimson ˛ ush and crisp cream coloured ˛ esh.

ROY’S PEARL

A NZ bred apple with good disease resistance and reliable cropper. The fruit has a nice sweet/ sharp taste.

CROQUELLA ˜ DWARF

Only grows to around 2.5m x 2m but produces full sized, juicy apples with delicious ˛ avour.

PEASGOOD NONSUCH ˜ HERITAGE

A huge ˛ at, highly coloured fruit that is striped red with crisp white ˛ esh. Good for dessert & cooking.

APRICOTS

SOLAR PERFECTION

NECTARINES

SILVER KING

An aromatic white ˛ eshed nectarine with attractive skin. This semi clingstone fruit crops heavily from a young age and is vigorous and self fertile. Tree grows approx. 3m x 3m.

LOLLIPOP KAY PEARL

Deliciously sweet and early ripening with white ˛ eshed good sized fruit. Very attractive, productive tree.

PLUMS

HUNTERSTON

Huge crops of red skinned apricot coloured ˛ eshed fruit. Self fertile and tree grows approx. 4m high x 3m.

TEAK GOLD

Hunterston plums grow on a very attractive self fertile tree & the fruit is of high health quality.

Large attractive, burgundy fruit with deep yellow juicy ˛ esh. Superb eating quality with no acid. A very sweet syrupy & slightly aromatic ˛ avour. Semi freestone and mid season fruiting.

LUISA

Large to very large yellow skinned, yellow ˛ eshed plum with cherry red blush when ripe. Outstanding eating quality, ripens Jan/Feb. Very productive tree which is tough and a good choice for organic growing. Self fertile, largely resistant to disease.

HAWERA

Sweet and juicy red ˛ esh and one of the best blood red plums. Self fertile, ripens in January, and a heavy cropper

BLACK DORIS

Black Doris

A new disease resistant selection with an abundance of dark skinned, yellow ˛ eshed juicy fruit every season.

An exciting early fruiting apricot with strong orange colour and good size. Fruit has ÿ ne texture and juicy ˛ esh, excellent for eating fresh. Self fertile.

Medium to large plums with dark red ˛ esh and black skin. Great for desert and bottling. Ripens mid to late January. Pollinate with Santa Rosa, Du° s Early Jewel or Elephant Heart.

Oddfellow

Kay Pearl

Blackboy

Sweetie

Crimson Spire - Columnar Roy’s Pearl

TOP QUALITY TREES AT AN INCREDIBLE PRICE OF $42.50

Kickboxing in aid of the victims

Kuranui College will host a kickboxing event on April 1, with the money raised helping cyclone victims.

Mana FC6 – E Tu Wairarapa is the brainchild of Quentin Parr, who runs SMAC Gym in Featherston with his wife, Victoria, also known as Lady SMAC.

Mana FC is a regular show held “for our community and our kids”, said Victoria.

When Cyclone Gabrielle ripped through the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay in February, Quentin saw an opportunity for their next event to “go bigger”.

Mana FC6 – E Tu Wairarapa kicks off at 2pm with a preliminary event showcasing youth and novices.

The main “black tie” event starts at 6pm with professional bouts featuring current champions and rising stars.

One of those rising stars is Wairarapa’s Sarah Linton.

Already a champion barefoot water-skier, Linton took up kickboxing under the guidance of Lady SMAC in August 2019, and had her first competitive fight in December 2020.

She has had 10 fights in two years, including a professional boxing match against Auckland pro Holly McMath.

Linton will face Natalie Mackey on Saturday night at what will be her second only local fight.

The event will be a fun night with a familyfriendly atmosphere, said Linton. “There will be some really good fights to watch.”

One of those fights will be Monster Moe Hussain from SMAC Gym vs The Wild Boar Earl-Jay Hepi.

Hussain has been boxing for over a decade, and was a finalist in the Trans-Tasman King in the Ring kickboxing tournament in Auckland last year.

The Parrs hope the Wairarapa community support this event. “We hope to raise as much as we can for those affected by the cyclone.”

Wairarapa Library Service and Wairarapa Word are proud to present Vivienne

Plumb

in her rst live reading in Wairarapa

Open Mic, Reading, Q+A, Book signing

1 April, 2pm @ Carterton Events Centre

All welcome, Koha, Sign up for Open Mic on the day. For more info, email: events.waiword@gmail.com

Writing workshop is fully booked

Award-winning playwright, poet & ction writer Vivienne Plumb will read from some of her 20+ books. She has featured at festivals & events around the world – Australia, China, Hong Kong, Ireland, Poland, Slovenia, USA – and April marks her rst live reading in Wairarapa. All welcome.

Shining new

• Tickets for Mana FC6 –E Tu Wairarapa can be purchased from www. eventbookings.com

WAIRARAPA COMMUNITY LAW CENTRE INC

We operate the following Outreach Clinics:

1ST TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

PAHIATUA: 10am-noon Heartlands Office

EKETAHUNA: 1-3pm Public Library

1ST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH 11am-3pm

CARTERTON: Carterton Events Centre

2ND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 11am-3pm

FEATHERSTON: Community Centre

3RD TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH 11am-3pm

PAHIATUA: Heartlands Office

4TH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH

MARTINBOROUGH: 10-12pm Waihinga Centre

GREYTOWN: 1-3pm Public Library

We provide free legal information, assistance and law related education

MASTERTON OFFICE

Ph: 0800 924 252 / 06 377 4134

1st Floor, Sports Wairarapa Building Cnr Chapel and Jackson Streets, Masterton

• Preliminary and main event tickets can be sold separately, or a package deal for both.

Members of Masterton’s St Patrick’s School kapa haka group show o˜ their new uniforms, from left: Peyson Chan Tung-Tuisea [age 5], Annie-Mei Johnson [age 10], Winter Haira [age 9] and Taneka Martin-Hina [age 7].

The design of the kapa haka uniforms has been around since the 1970s, even earlier, St Patrick’s School’s religious director, Christine Connor said. The cross represents the Cross of St Brigid and the large diamond shape represents diamonds on the badge of the founder of the Brigidine Sisters - Bishop Daniel Delany from Tullow, Ireland. The Brigidine Sisters taught at Catholic schools in Wairarapa and elsewhere.

The kapa haka group’s original tops were hand woven by local whanau and kaumatua, under the guidance of the late Flo Reiri. The colours green white and gold are symbolic of Irish colours. Funds for the new uniforms were generously donated by the St Patrick’s School PTA, Connor said.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

A place where change is possible

An established support group in Wairarapa for men who are living with a diagnosis of or treatment for prostate cancer.

CO-ORDINATOR Robert & Susan Brader, 370 8699 or 027 272 1892

WHEN Tuesday 4th April, 1.30pm WHERE Lansdowne Presbyterian Church, Drummond Room, Totara St, Masterton EMAIL masterton@prostate.org.nz

For more information call 0800 477 678 | www.prostate.org.nz

If you are experiencing troubling issues like anxiety, grief or depression, or if you’ve been affected by family violence, we can help. We offer a non-judgmental, respectful, caring space where we help people through their process of change.

P: 06 3775716

E: admin@changewairarapa.org.nz www.changewairarapa.org.nz

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Lucy Cooper news@age.co.nz

Kickboxer Sarah Linton will face Natalie Mackey in the ring on Saturday night. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Kuranui College will host a kickboxing fundraiser for Cyclone Gabrielle.

Out & About

A record number of supporters and cancer survivors turned out for Wairarapa Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at the weekend.

Photographer GRAEME BOWDEN captured the action and effort.

Is your mum the best in the

If yes, then enter here!

If you are aged between 5-12 years simply write a short letter telling us why your mum should be ‘Queen for a Day’. If your Mum is the lucky winner, she will become ‘Queen for a Day’ and win 100s of dollars worth of prizes. ENTER TODAY!

Childs Name Mothers Name Age of Child Phone Address

STREET TALK

READER PHOTO

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.

Karen Roberts Vivacious, friendly, trooper.

Jean Cretney Caring and helpful.

Richard Alan Dahlberg Aged but alive.

CONTACT US

Cheryl Jaggard Weird, weird, weird.

Mike Filmnerd Erudite, humorous, cultured.

Adele Pentony-Graham Strong – loves life!

Friendly, polite, alive.

Fee Curly Messy, creative, ghter.

caring.

Mandy Gibbins A rebel.

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.

MAZDA STOCK

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Holy cow – that’s an amazing sunset! Reader Nika sent in this great shot, taken by her husband, of the sunset above the Tararua Range – featuring a bovine observer.

PHOTO/ALAN RICHARDS

If I had to describe myself in three words, I would say I am…

Damian Matthew Hall Odd, excitable,

ARATOI VOICES

Sculpture buy starts awards

One of the loveliest jobs at Aratoi is when we put together a Collection Show.

Looking through the collection and picking out objects, stories and artworks to show is like being a kid in a candy store. It’s enjoyable finding out the stories and backgrounds of these wonderful objects.

One of our most famous sculptures is our founding piece from Barbara Hepworth. The reason this piece came to Aratoi is a fascinating story.

In 1963, six years before the gallery opened, a group of supporters suggested buying a work by prominent British Modernist sculptor Barbara Hepworth to stimulate public interest and give a future gallery a focus that was not regional and

provincial but national and international.

Forms in Movement

- Galliard was bought with money raised in the community. The balance was donated by John Maunsell, owner of Masterton business Hansells. The Hepworth purchase piqued Maunsell’s interest in sculpture and was the catalyst for the Hansells Sculpture Awards, a national art award exclusively for contemporary sculpture. This award was conceived to be an annual event and envisioned as a way to highlight sculpture and encourage emerging and established sculptors. Hansells sponsored the prize from 1971 to 1978, and then again in 1982. The 1982 exhibition proved

to be too avant garde for Hansells and the next [and last] exhibition in 1986 was sponsored by Breadcraft. Another fascinating sculpture that we have earmarked for the upcoming exhibition is this fabulous sculpture named Kartouche by Kevin Norton.

It is an enormous steel

sculpture. It was submitted for the aforementioned Hansells Sculpture Awards in 1982 which then toured around the country. He was inspired by sculptures from around the world and his job as a set maker in the USA. He preferred working in metal, mainly steel and aluminum.

Concert pianist to appear in Greytown

The Greytown Music Group is honoured to have internationally celebrated concert pianist Dr Jian Liu open their 2023 “Piandemonium” concert series on April 2.

A highly sought-after solo pianist and chamber musician, Liu has appeared on concert stages throughout the world, and has been awarded many prizes in international competitions.

Liu studied in Beijing and the USA, culminating in completing his Doctorate of Musical Arts at the Yale School of Music. He came to New Zealand in 2011, mainly to take up the position of Programme Director of Classical Performance and Head of Piano Studies at the NZ School of Music at Victoria University, and partly as he had heard about New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Liu said: “After I moved here, slowly but surely I started to discover other aspects of the country, especially its innovative and creative industry, and generous and kind people.

I think New Zealand is a special place musically and

creatively, where people are more connected to each other, and the arts and music feel more real.

“I felt that I was welcomed from day one.

I love performing in small communities, to have this more intimate

communication with the audience, and to feel the immediate feedback and energy, like the concert in Greytown.”

Liu will be playing: Debussy “Images”, of which Debussy wrote to his publisher “Without false

The Kevin Norton sculpture, Kartouche.

Unfortunately, we have missing records from the 1982 Hansells exhibition and we are seeking any information about this Norton sculpture in particular.

If you know anything about this piece, please get in touch as we would love to hear from you. Email Jo@aratoi.co.nz

pride, I feel that these three pieces hold together well, and that they will find their place in the literature of the piano somewhere to the left of Schumann or to the right of Chopin”.

Liszt “La Campanella”, which incorporates huge leaps for the right hand, and has been described as one of the hardest pieces ever written for piano.

Beethoven’s “Appassionata Sonata”, one of Beethoven’s most tempestuous pieces.

Mephisto Waltz No 1, Liszt’s depiction of the devilish Mephistopheles taking Faust to a dance at a village inn.

• Jian Liu - Virtuoso Piano: 4pm, Sunday, April 2, at 57 Wood St, Greytown. Admission $30, $10 for children.

To book, call Ed and Juliet Cooke [06] 304-9497 or email efjacooke@gmail.com

elections.nz/ accessfund

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Concert pianist Dr Jian Liu.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Disabled parliamentary candidates may have costs for support people.

Find out more at

Lifestyle

All it takes is just 11 minutes

Midweek Musings

Tim Nelson

Research has just been completed by an Australian university about what it takes to live a much healthier life in terms of the exercise that we need to do. Based on a meta-analysis of a huge amount of research, it has been found that just an 11-minute brisk walk done daily will have a hugely positive impact on our health, preventing disease and prolonging life.

At around the same time, South Australia University has completed research on the benefit of exercise on mental health. Their findings have concluded that physical exercise should be an essential part of any therapy for patients with mental health issues; the benefits are just so positive and effective.

I have written numerous times about the benefits of exercise on physical and mental well-being. These two Australian studies further emphasise the points I have previously made. Additionally, my own experience adds to the weight of my argument, with exercise having a massively positive impact on my own life. I simply couldn’t recommend exercise enough, and it can start with just an 11-minute walk each day.

Connections I have been putting a lot more effort into relationships with friends and family. This is something I have been okay at in the past, but am also capable of not making any effort for considerable periods of time, sometimes years, with people who I really care about.

It’s easy to think there will always be time later, but, having been to funerals recently, I now acknowledge there have been times in which I have left things too late.

I think we all get into the habit of waiting for the

other person to be the one to make the effort. This has certainly been what I have typically done. However, having decided to be the one to go first I have found it’s definitely worth it.

How to cope

It’s hard to know what will confront us in the years to come. Back in 2019 it would have been hard to believe covid would come along and cause the disruption it has, or that there would be a major and prolonged war in Europe. More locally, no one anticipated the flooding that has had such a huge impact on our country. All these things are out of our control, there really is very little we can do about them.

In his book Discipline is Destiny, author Ryan Holiday has a suggestion for how we can cope in an unpredictable world, this is by being predictable ourselves. Do those things every day that make us stronger and ready for when the disruption comes: saving money; exercise; learning; building relationships; doing your job to a high standard … the list is a long one, but each of these actions will make you feel stronger when the challenges do come and, even if life does become more predictable and the world less unsettled, these very same actions will be just as important and beneficial in ‘normal’ times.

Why you should tell the truth

I love this quote I heard which, I understand, is from Mark Twain: “If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.”

What good advice.

We too often portray ourselves in different ways, depending on who we are talking to. Life would be so much easier if we were

always ourselves, sharing what we think, as opposed to what we feel others would like us to say.

I do try to be authentic as much as possible, but I’d be lying if I was to write I always say what I truly believe in all circumstances. However, Twain’s advice has inspired me to do just that, so regardless of where I am or who I am with I will be saying what I really think.

I know doing so will in many ways make my life a little easier, although there will certainly be some who won’t agree with me.

Check before buying

There are so many things that we want. Any trip to a mall or check of an online buying website will identify countless things that tempt us. Added to this there are so many ways to pay, including doing so with money we don’t have, with After Pay and credit cards being two key examples; these two methods make it, at the time, incredibly easy to access what tempts us. However, this ease of access will gradually get harder, and has the counterbalance of putting more and more pressure to make payments, as the credit doesn’t last forever. A strategy to combat these purchases is to look in our closets and drawers before we are tempted to buy things we don’t need. Chances are we will see numerous items we already own that no longer give us pleasure, and only

ever did for a fleeting moment, perhaps at the time of purchase and just afterwards. The same thing is likely with the next thing that tempts us.

Quit a bad habit

I just read that Dwight Eisenhower quit the habit of smoking when he was 58 years old. He did this after having been a smoker for 38 years, and he did it ‘cold turkey’, deciding one day to just stop his more than a packet a day habit and never touching a cigarette again.

A reason for him doing this was he hated being a slave to smoking, and knowing it was slowly killing him. It wouldn’t have been easy, as a former smoker I know this, but the benefits are definitely worth it in so many ways, especially in terms of your health and your finances.

We all have things we do that we know we shouldn’t, yet we persist with doing them. Author Ryan Holiday asked the question, “if the habit was invented today, with what we now know about it, would we choose to do it”?

Consider alcohol, some social media apps, a type of food … for all these things it’s likely that if we were aware of the risks at the time we started we never would have taken them on in the first place.

Choose any bad habit you know you have, think about how it is negatively impacting your life, then put in place a plan to

stop it. This could be Eisenhower’s cold turkey approach to giving up smoking, or an approach like James Clear’s method for giving up any habit. Whatever method you choose isn’t important, what is important is giving up something bad for you that you have become a slave to.

It’s never too late At 54 years of age it’s easy to feel some activities have passed me by. I can think of things I wanted to do when I was younger that may not now happen.

An example of this is sailing. I remember seeing the film Wind, based on The America’s Cup, in my early 20s. At the time I thought how great it would be to sail, and thought to myself it would definitely be something I would eventually learn. Many years later I have barely been on the water, and the idea of sailing has lost its appeal. However, there are still many things I would like to try.

An inspiration for doing new things later in life came as I was watching a documentary on why people in Finland seem to be so happy. One reason is the attitude of older people, with 66-year-old Lena one such example. Lena decided to learn how to skateboard four years ago. This was treated with respect by the younger riders when she first appeared at a skateboard park. Four years later she is an instructor for both young and old.

Lena is proof it’s never too late to learn something new. The new thing can be anything, and age should never be a reason not to try.

• 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.

Research has found that just taking an 11-minute brisk walk daily has a hugely positive impact on our health.

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Lifestyle

‘Twig and Tweet’ makes a century

Chris Peterson Forest & Bird Wairarapa

This week marks the start of a year of centennial celebrations for Forest & Bird, which was established on March 28 way back in 1923. On that foundation day Captain Ernest “Val” Sanderson, inspired by his experiences on Kāpiti Island, began his restof-life dedication to the better protection of “all matters affecting wildlife”. He established the Native Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, which was renamed Forest and Bird in 1934.

In keeping with his successful business career and friends in high places, including former Prime Minister Thomas Mackenzie, the society was initially a venerable body of passionate nature-lovers who shared conservation ideas and ideals quite radical for their day. While largely focused on protecting native birds and their habitats, they also

campaigned for the ‘unity of control’ of all wildlife under a single government agency and warned of the dangers of forest logging, erosion, and flooding.

Since then, Forest & Bird has notched up hundreds of wins for nature and grown into a highly respected and influential conservation organisation, with a mission to be the leading independent voice for the environment in Aotearoa New Zealand. It has more than 100,000 supporters, 48 branches and 120 frontline conservation projects connecting people with nature at place. While it remains true to its origins, the organisation, affectionately known as “twig and tweet”, has greatly expanded its role to include protecting all wildlife on land and in the sea, and promoting nature-based solutions for climate resilience.

Today the society campaigns on a range of environmental issues and, where necessary,

challenges the powers that be. It is focused on addressing the pressing problems of our age in a wider context that includes forging stronger links with mana whenua and a better understanding of te ao Māori worldview, where humanity is but a part of the biosphere and not separate from it. A mindset that might perhaps be the salvation of us all.

Of course, Sanderson knew that humans are ultimately dependent on a healthy environment for prosperity. Had he been alive today, he would certainly be pressing his government chums to address climate change by restoring wetlands, making room for rivers, and getting rid of the browsing mammals munching on our carbon sinks [native forests].

So all power to Forest & Bird for its next 100 years. And what better time to consider becoming a member – or giving a gift membership to someone

whose future you care for. Even better come and join the Wairarapa branch and find out how you can leave a legacy for nature in your backyard.

For more information, go to www.forestandbird.

org.nz/joinus

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

Captain Ernest ‘Val’ Sanderson founded Forest & Bird on March 28, 1923.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Anzac tradition holds fast

Mary Argue

Despite the devastation wreaked by Cyclone Gabrielle and the ongoing clean-up, Tinui is sticking with tradition this Anzac Day – albeit with some caveats.

The Tinui Anzac committee confirmed at a meeting that the annual Anzac commemoration would go ahead on April 25.

Committee chair Alan Emerson said this year will mark the 107th service in the town – which held the world’s first Anzac Day service in 1916 – despite it bearing the brunt of Cyclone Gabrielle last month.

“It will be different from previous years, although the service itself will be the same,” Emerson said.

“We felt it needed to be continued.”

In past years, service attendees have walked the 3km Anzac Walkway from Tinui Cemetery to the memorial cross on top of Tinui Taipo. However, that will not be possible this year, Emerson said.

“The track to the cross is an absolute write-off, and it will be all hands on deck to get it ready for Anzac Day 2024.”

With Tinui Primary

School still operating from the community hall since the February flooding, Emerson said the postservice refreshments will also be curtailed.

“It won’t be the massive spread of previous years, with the kitchen and supper rooms being used as classrooms, and the committee firmly believes that we shouldn’t interfere with that.”

However, Emerson said the committee and Tinui residents were looking forward to continuing the tradition and confirmed Brigadier Anne Campbell would be this year’s guest speaker.

Campbell shattered glass ceilings in 2005 when she became the first woman to be promoted to Brigadier in the New Zealand Army and, as a doctor, led

surgical teams into some of the world’s harshest climates for disaster relief, including Indonesia after the Boxing Day Tsunami, East Timor, and Papua New Guinea.

Tinui Parish’s Reverend Steve Thomson, who delivered the call to remembrance last year, will also officiate.

Thomson acknowledged during last year’s service

that Tinui and the surrounding districts were far from immune to the horrors of war, and while many former soldiers were buried at Tinui Cemetery, others never came home.

Emerson said Wairarapa TV would once again broadcast the service and said the committee was also hoping to secure a vintage aircraft flyover.

The traditional Anzac Day service has been conÿ rmed in Tinui, despite the devastation wreaked by Cyclone Gabrielle. PHOTO/FILE

Masterton’s One-stop Shop for Wellness

As a qualiÿ ed sonographer, and formerly a nurse for 20 years, Heather Armstrong provides a diagnostic service in the Wairarapa, saving a long and expensive journey to a larger radiology centre for an ultrasound.

Sonography involves taking images of internal parts of the body. “I can see images of pelvic organs, breasts, abdominal organs such as liver, kidneys and gallbladder, prostate and testicles, all stages of your pregnancy, legs and arms, lumps and blood vessels, and even the carotid artery in your neck,” Heather says. She takes a holistic approach to patient care, is proactive when further investigation is required, and is a strong patient advocate. Come to Waiscan with a referral from your doctor, physio, chiropractor, podiatrist, or other health care provider.

Dr Melanie Wallis has just celebrated her 20th year of being a chiropractor.

Her focus is on assisting you to achieve the best possible outcome in your health goal.

“I work with patients from the cradle to the grave,” Melanie says, “including babies, ACC injuries, sportspeople, older people, and pregnant women.”

Even the occasional pet is seen in the clinic.

Crucial to Melanie’s work is getting to know you and your life.

This helps her get to the bottom of what’s going on.

“I love seeing the positive changes in people and will work with you to achieve that.”

La Donna Stancli° eDeans brims with life and health.

With 30 years’ experience as a podiatrist under her belt, she’s the one to see if problems with your feet. In January Jeremy M, joined Walk This way Podiatry. From the AUT, he is a valuable addition who shares the same passion for his work as La Donna.

“If you don’t get treated in time,” La Donna says, “There can be lasting adverse e° ects.”

La Donna works with clients of all ages including the elderly, babies, and children.

She specialises in Nail Surgery , verruca dry needling, general nail care, and all other specialities in Podiatry

She also operates a clinic from Masterton, @ 5 Park St and in Carterton’s Pharmacy.

On line appointments available also.

Melissa Barry has over 10 years of massage experience and is trained in a diverse range of bodywork modalities.

"A session with me is tailor-made to support you to be well in your mind and body," she says.

Melissa uses somatic techniques to improve posture and movement, relieve pain and eliminate residual tension in our bodies. She uses deep tissue and light touch to destress you and gently activate the body's own healing mechanism.

A complementary part of her business is the ADASHIKO range of collagen products to promote health and wellbeing.

"Invest in yourself to get the alignment you need to keep going".

Claire Bleakley is an experienced classical homeopath, who has been in clinical practice for 27 years. She developed epilepsy after a vaccination reaction while still a teenager and started her journey with homeopathy to cope with the severe e° ects of the medication. After graduating, Claire proved to herself that homeopathic remedies were e° ective before setting up her clinic.

"Physician, heal thyself.” She has successfully lived free of epilepsy for 28 years. Claire has helped many people with acute and chronic physical and emotional health problems, who have found that homeopathic remedies have helped them immensely.

“My consultation allows me to ÿ nd the special remedy that is personalised and holistic. I have found homeopathy safe for all ages and e° ectively helps to restore health and wellness.”

Annelore Elsen has been a midwife for 14 years and provides full antenatal, labour, birth, and postnatal care.

“I consider it an absolute privilege to guide and support you on your journey through pregnancy to parenthood.

“It’s such a special and exciting time in your life and I would love to walk this path with you.”

Annelore attends births at the hospital and works with pregnant women and families in the community and in the hospital.

For quality health care and good health outcomes, come and talk to the professionals at 5 Park Street. With multiple independent health professionals co-located in one place, close working relationships have been developed and referrals are easy.

A right royal mess-up at

the Royal Hotel

With the influx of large amounts of men into the Featherston area during World War I, the hotels of that town saw a huge uptake in trade. As many of their men would be spending a lot of time at these hotels, so the New Zealand Forces sent an officer to look over the hotels and their facilities and report back.

The Empire Hotel in Featherston received a good report. The Tauherenikau Hotel had some improvements that needed to be made for the number of troops that would be visiting, but it also received a reasonable report.

The Royal Hotel was not so fortunate. This first report was just the beginning of a series of unfortunate events that would plague the hotel during wartime.

Provost Marshal Jameson, the officer who made the inspection, didn’t hold back.

“I had some difficulty in finding the urinal at this hotel.

I eventually located it over 40 yards from the hotel, tucked away in a corner, almost hidden from view by a small building.

“There is no water in connection with this latrine except that from spouting on the roof during rain.”

And most damning of all, “I could not find any lighting arrangements … The drainage is very bad inasmuch as soldiers … must stand on a floor wet with urine. I consider the closets [water closet – an early name for a toilet] to be relics of bygone days and a disgrace to a modern town”.

The hotel was threatened

with the Health Department getting involved if they did not upgrade their facilities. Not wanting to lose patrons, the hotel complied.

By the end of 1916 the officers of the New Zealand Forces in Featherston were starting to grow impatient with the Royal. Featherston Camp Commandant Adams decided to write a letter to the Licensing Committee. Too many of his soldiers returned to camp drunk and were being supplied with alcohol well after the agreed-upon trading hours. He made his threats quite clear.

“This hotel has been,

from my point of view, most unsatisfactorily run. I have power under the War Regulations to put this hotel ‘out of bounds’ for three months. I have had considerable trouble with this hotel, more so, than all the other hotels put together.”

He was reluctant to act, knowing that if he did, it would be punishing all for the actions of a few. The Royal also had accommodation for the families of men in the camp, and if the hotel was made out of bounds, they would not be able to stay there. The hotel got the message.

They tightened up their rules and were allowed to trade with the military camp. But the bad behaviour of the young soldiers was far from over.

In November 1917 just after 10pm, a group of soldiers reported to be as many as 100, decided they wanted to get back in the Royal Hotel to continue drinking.

Two police constables, McLeod and Chapman, were on duty and had the unenviable task of blocking the way between the hotel and this large group angry men. One of the soldiers, Walter Ross, took things

to the next level when he rushed forward, punched Chapman, and then ducked back into the crowd to avoid being caught.

He then started to rile up the crowd saying, “Come on boys, give it to them, put the boot in”. Fellow soldier Private James Duncan continued, “Come on West Coasters, they can’t arrest all of us.”

It was enough. The crowd attacked the two police officers, who continued to stand their ground against the mob. Eventually, two military

policemen arrived and helped disperse the crowd. No arrests were made. But not all would go unpunished.

Ross had been witnessed by several people at the scene. His accomplice Private Duncan was not only seen as well but just before his West Coasters speech he had yelled “I am Private Duncan”. There was no questioning of his identity.

Privates Ross and Duncan didn’t get to stay free for long. Just four days after the incident both men were found

guilty and sentenced to three months imprisonment each. The military justice system of the time was very efficient. The following year the hotelkeeper of the Royal was fined one pound [$130] for supplying a bottle of spirits to a soldier after 6pm. In December of 1917, the government had introduced the 6pm closing, the “six o’clock swill” to try and curb soldier drinking behaviour.

In November, the war ended and Featherston began to clear of soldiers, but the legacy of their behaviour would be felt for years to come. The six o’clock closing would remain in effect for a further 50 years.

In the years after the war, the Royal Hotel earned a better reputation. With the rowdy soldiers now gone and the facilities upgraded, the hotel hosted socials for residents and groups. Today the Royal has little in common with its wartime former self, offering fine dining, functions, live music and weddings and pristine bathroom facilities.

International writer is now Featherston-based and sharing

Vivienne Plumb, an international multi-awardwinning poet, playwright and novelist, is hosting a free workshop and her first-ever live reading in Wairarapa on Saturday, April 1.

Plumb has enjoyed decades of international acclaim and been hosted by prestigious academic institutions the world over, however, we can now count her as a Wairarapa resident, as she lives in Featherston. This is why her first live reading in the region is such a milestone. Plumb promises that whatever genre you write in, this workshop will be useful, encouraging, and fun. Her workshop will focus on a particular and very accessible theme that will enable participants to get writing.

Both workshop and reading will be held at Carterton Events Centre; with the workshop running from 10am to 11.30am, and the public reading and talk starting at 2pm. The workshop is free but koha is appreciated. Spaces are limited so people are

encouraged to sign up now.

Poems and other literature that use a similar theme will also be used as part of the workshop, including a piece of writing from the beautiful new New Zealand collection ‘A Room to Write’ [The Cuba Press, 2022].

At the afternoon’s reading there will be an open mic session but spaces are limited, and people are encouraged to sign up early on the day to avoid missing out.

Plumb has published more than 18 books of poetry, short and long fiction, non-fiction, and drama, besides being featured in many anthologies. In 2018 she held the Creative New Zealand Berlin Writers Residency, and has held many university writing residencies both in this country and overseas, including at the University of Iowa.

She has been the recipient of several awards, which include the Hubert Church Prose Award and the Bruce Mason

Playwrighting Award, and has been invited to read her work all over the world at places such as Cody’s Bookshop in San Francisco, Cuirt festival in Ireland, Vilenica Literary Festival in Slovenia, Massolit Books in Krakow, Poland, at Hong Kong University, at the Chicago Festival of Humanities, the Brisbane Poetry Festival, and at University of Taiyuan in Shanxi, China. She holds a Doctorate in Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong, Australia.

Plumb’s workshop and reading is presented by Wairarapa Word and Wairarapa Library Service, in partnership with Almo’s Books, Carterton Events Centre, and Carterton Creative Communities. To find out more and book a place on the workshop and session, contact: events.waiword@ gmail.com

Please note the workshop is fully booked and we have a few people on the waiting list already. The afternoon reading is open to all.

Today it is one of the best hotels in Wairarapa. But a century ago, this was not the case.

MARK PACEY of the Wairarapa Archive writes about the un˜ attering wartime history of the Royal Hotel in Featherston.

Vivienne Plumb.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Soldiers marching in preparation for World War I. The Royal Hotel is in the background.

The Royal Hotel back in the day.

PHOTOS/WAIRARAPA ARCHIVE

The Royal Hotel today.

Help recognise Wairarapa sporting success between 1 April 2022 –31 March 2023

Individuals, clubs, teams or schools can nominate themselves.

The Administrator, Volunteer and Lifetime Achievement Awards are not restricted to a speci c time frame.

The Awards night is being held on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at the Carterton Events Centre.

Nominations close Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 4.30pm

SPORTS AWARDS NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN NOMINATION FORM

NAME OF NOMINEE:

AWARD CATEGORY:

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS:

(List of achievements in bullet point format is our preference. Please include any of the following achievements: Regional, National and International.)

2022/2023 AWARD CATEGORIES

JUNIOR SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR

Open to primary/intermediate school teams that have achieved a high standard of participation in any sport.

YOUTH SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR

Open to secondary school teams that have achieved a high standard of participation in any sport.

SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR

This award recognises the progress made by clubs in promoting their sports both on and o the eld.

JUNIOR

CONTRIBUTION

TO SPORT

An award acknowledging any person under the age of 18 who has made a signi cant contribution to sport including o ciating, coaching or volunteering.

NOMINEE’S CONTACT DETAILS

PHONE:

EMAIL:

NOMINATOR’S CONTACT DETAILS

PHONE:

EMAIL:

NOMINATIONS

SENIOR SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR

Open to senior teams that have achieved a high standard of participation in any sport.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

An award acknowledging people who have volunteered their time, labour and talents to improving Wairarapa sport. Recognises the volunteer’s entire career span.

OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

An award acknowledging any person 18 and over who acts as an umpire, referee or judge.

JUNIOR SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Open to any primary/ intermediate school student who has achieved a high standard in any sport.

PARA SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

Open to any para person who has achieved a high standard of participation in any sport.

MASTERTON

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

An award for Wairarapa residents to have a direct say as to what nalist they believe should be recognised for their contribution to local sport.

SUPREME AWARD

YOUTH SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Open to any secondary school sportswoman who has achieved a high standard in any sport.

SENIOR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Open to any sportswoman who has achieved a high standard in any sport, participating at national and/or international events. Limited to Wairarapa residents or representatives of Wairarapa Teams.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

An award recognising the lifetime achievements of anyone in Wairarapa Sports.

Recognises the Supreme Sportsperson or team of the Year chosen from the 15 category winners.

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

An award acknowledging people who have contributed to the administration of sport. Recognises the administrator’s entire career span.

COACH OF THE YEAR

An award acknowledging people who have contributed to the coaching of sport. Recognises the coach’s successes of the past twelve months

YOUTH SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Open to any secondary school sportsman who has achieved a high standard in any sport.

SENIOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Open to any sportsman who has achieved a high standard in any sport, participating at national and/or international events. Limited to Wairarapa residents or representatives of Wairarapa Teams.

WAIRARAPA SPORTS EDUCATION TRUST

The Wairarapa Sports Education Trust is awarding three Scholarships - one of $1000 and two of $750 - to go towards speci c coaching or training costs for Wairarapa athletes. To apply, go to our Facebook page, or email wai.sportsed.trust@gmail.com for an application form.

Trust House will acknowledge each category winner with additional sponsorship.

EASTER WORSHIP 2023 CHURCH SERVICES GUIDE

The story of Jesus Christ at Easter

Every religion since the dawn of time has acknowledged and revered the natural cycle of death and rebirth. Easter is a time of special signiÿ cance for Christians as they celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. Easter Sunday is considered the holiest day of the year and many people attend special church services in observance of this day.

Christians believe that, about 2000 years ago, a young Jewish man called Jesus travelled the land and preached spiritual and social messages. Because he claimed to be the son of God, the Romans thought he was making up dangerous stories and so they arrested him.

The Easter story tells us that Jesus was

sentenced to death by the Governor Pontius Pilate. Christian history says that Jesus was cruciÿ ed by being nailed to a wooden cross on a Friday (Good Friday). Later that same day, after Jesus had died, his body was taken down from the cross by his friends, wrapped in linen, and laid in a tomb.

Early in the morning on the following Sunday (Easter Sunday), Mary Magdalene - a devoted follower of Jesus - went to his tomb to anoint his dead body with oil. As a reward for her great love and faithfulness, Jesus is said to have appeared to her: she witnessed his resurrection prior to his ascension to heaven.

Christians believe the resurrection is

proof that Jesus was, indeed, the son of God. The resurrection is essentially the foundation upon which Christian religions are built. The four gospels in the New Testament state that those who believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection are welcomed into the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ and given ‘the gift of eternal life’.

The Church teaches that all humans carry sin, and this separates them from God. Jesus died so that the sins of humans would be forgiven by God – known as the Atonement. Christians believe that Jesus’ ultimate sacriÿ ce was part of a divine plan to save humanity.

Easter occurs after 40 days of Lent during which Christians fast, pray and

Church of the Epiphany

MASTERTON

MAUNDY THURSDAY

7.00PM Eucharist service

GOOD FRIDAY

2.00PM Re ective Service

EASTER SUNDAY

8.00AM Easter Day Celebration

9.30AM Easter Day Celebration

St Matthews Church

MASTERTON

MONDAY TO THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK

8.30AM Morning Prayer in the Library

TUESDAY

7.00PM Wairarapa Combined Diocesan Chrism Service

MAUNDY THURSDAY

7.30PM The Last Supper Communion

GOOD FRIDAY

MIDDAY Re ective Service in the Chapel

EASTER SUNDAY

8.00AM Eucharist @ St Matthews

Te Hepara Pai Anglican M˜ori Pastorate

undertake acts of penance. This is observed in memory of the 40 days Jesus is said to have wandered in the desert, praying, not eating, and avoiding all temptation.

The week leading up to Easter is called Holy Week. The previous Sunday is known as Palm Sunday. It is said to be the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem and was met by crowds who shouted praise and waved palm branches. Holy Thursday (also known as Maundy Thursday) marks the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, or followers.

St Marks Church

St

EASTER WORSHIP 2023 CHURCH SERVICES GUIDE

The

name

EASTER

The name Easter is thought to have derived from Eostre, an ancient Germanic goddess of the dawn, a bringer of light. In ancient times, an annual spring festival was held in her honour.

English and German are in the minority of languages that use a form of the word Easter to mark the signiÿ cant Christian holiday. Elsewhere, the observance is called the Latin pascha, derived from the Hebrew pesach, associated with the Jewish Passover also celebrated in April each year.

Easter traditions

Several popular folk customs are also associated with Easter. These have to do with coloured eggs, bunny rabbits, and hot-cross buns.

Eggs are ancient symbols of new life.

In medieval England, eating eggs was forbidden during Lent and so, on Easter Sunday, tucking into an egg was a real treat. In some countries children colour eggs and then the eggs are hidden for them to ÿ nd. According to tradition the Easter Bunny also leaves chocolate eggs for children on Easter morning.

The idea of an Easter Bunny may originally have come from old German stories about an egg-delivering hare.

The origins of hot cross buns may go back as far as the 12TH century. The story goes that an Anglican monk baked the buns and marked them with a cross in honour of Good Friday. Over time they gained popularity, and eventually became a symbol of Easter weekend.

EASTER SERVICES

Easter celebrations in other places

Bermuda: People ˜ y kites to symbolise the rising of Christ.

Finland & Sweden: Children dress up as Easter witches and go around the neighbourhood granting wishes of happiness and good health. In return, the children are given chocolate eggs.

Germany: Decorated eggs are hung from branches of Easter egg trees called ostereierbaum in Germany.

Greece: Easter Sunday is spent with friends and family for a meal of roast lamb. The eating of lamb on Easter Sunday may have originated from the Jewish tradition of eating lamb at Passover.

Poland: On Easter Monday, boys roam around the streets and sprinkle girls with water and perfume. Baskets of food are taken to church to be blessed. On Easter Sunday, a cake in the shape of a lamb (symbolising Christ) is eaten, and handcrafted Easter eggs called ‘pisanki’ are painted with traditional symbols of fertility and spring.

Spain: In some places, men dress as skeletons on Maundy Thursday, performing a dance of death to symbolise Jesus’ death. Spain also has parades with pasos or thrones illustrating the Easter story. The parades are followed by cloaked people seeking forgiveness from God.

Washington: At the White House in Washington D.C. USA: An Easter egg rolling event is held.

Holy Week of Easter for the Catholic Parish of Wairarapa

Reformed Congregation of Carterton

Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua

I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.

When Public Trust was established in 1873, it was a world first.

In the late 19th century, New Zealand society was haphazard, and settlers moved frequently. People appointed as trustees had a habit of disappearing, while widows and orphans would frequently fall prey to dishonest individuals who had been appointed as a trustee to protect them in the absence of a husband or father. For the government to protect the assets of vulnerable people was a progressive solution to the problems of colonial society.

vision for mass-assisted immigration and extensive state enterprise.

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead? (Acts 26:8)

Good Friday: 10:00 AM

Easter Sunday: 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Live streaming at www.rcnz.org

Reformed Congregation in Carterton 6 Howard St, Carterton

Though we prefer your presence, you can also listen online. www.rcnz.org

The idea of a government-owned public trustee service providing certainty and integrity to vulnerable New Zealanders’ estates came from discussions between Christchurch MP Edward Stevens and Colonial Treasurer Julius Vogel. The idea met with Vogel’s nation-building

For the next two years, Vogel, who became New Zealand’s premier in 1873, repeatedly pushed bills through Parliament, aimed at establishing a trustee service. He was finally successful, and the Public Trust Office Act 1872 created a governmentowned and managed public trustee service – the first in the world when it opened on 1 January 1873. The idea was later replicated in the UK and throughout the Commonwealth.

The ‘Vogel era’ was a transformational period in New Zealand’s history, and

New tenancy regulations

Public Trust would become Vogel’s most enduring legacy. Public Trust’s duty to advocate for New Zealanders extended beyond protecting estates. It was the first to employ women in government departments from the 1890s, to provide Māori and Pacific scholarships in the 1990s, and to fight for the recognition of mental illness in the 2000s. Today, Public Trust operates as an autonomous and self-funding Crown entity. In 2019, Glenys Talivai was appointed the first woman chief executive of Public Trust.

Good Friday 7th April @ 9.30am

Easter Sunday 9th April @ 9.30 am

FIRST CHURCH, MARTINBOROUGH

You are warmly invited to join the following gatherings at First Church over Easter weekend the 7 - 10 April 2023. Good Friday Gathering at 10am on the 7 April, followed by morning tea and hot cross buns.

Easter Sunday Gathering at 10am on the 9 April, followed by morning tea.

Corner of Jellicoe & Weld Sts, Martinborough

From December 2022, new regulations under the Residential Tenancies [Termination for Physical Assault by Tenant and Withdrawal following Family Violence] Regulations 2022 set out the details for these new regulations and can be found online at www. legislation.govt.nz

Under the new regulations, a tenant who experiences family violence during a tenancy can end or remove themselves from the tenancy by giving the landlord two days’ written notice in the approved form without financial penalty or the need for agreement from the landlord. This applies to both fixed-term and periodic tenancy agreements. Victims of family violence will no longer need to apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to end their tenancy.

The written notice must be accompanied by one form of qualifying evidence, the acceptable forms of evidence are:

The regulations prescribe people who can provide evidence of family violence, such as GPs, midwives,

social workers, school principals, Māori wardens, religious leaders and others.

Evidence from these people can be provided as a statutory declaration, stating they have reasonable grounds to believe the withdrawing tenant has been a victim of family violence.

A statutory declaration from the victim/withdrawing tenant, stating they have been a victim of family violence while in their current tenancy, is also a qualifying form of evidence.

The declaration form to be submitted by the victim of family violence is the Family Violence Declaration –Withdrawing Tenant, and can be found online. A Justice of the Peace may assist you in administering this declaration but declarants may use a statutory declaration in any form as long as it complies with the Oaths and Declaration Act 1957.

Justices of the Peace are not required to know any details of the nature of the family violence and the declarant should not be asked to provide

any information other than what is required to complete the form. However, a JP will be aware the declarant may be in a vulnerable state. If a declarant requires legal advice or has question that extend further than completing the declaration, they should be directed to the appropriate agency to assist, such as a lawyer or their district court.

Your Citizens Advice Bureau has Justices of the Peace in attendance most days – phone 377-0078 to check when there will be a JP on duty.

The old Masterton Public Trust building – which turns 100 later this year.

PHOTO/MARLENE DITCHFIELD

A changing health climate

Experts are concerned about the effects of climate change on rural healthcare after Cyclone Gabrielle caused significant damage to parts of the region.

University of Otago associate dean of rural health Professor Garry Nixon said extreme

weather events will happen with increasing frequency as climate change progresses – and the healthcare sector needs to make plans for rural health that are sustainable and resilient.

“The burden of climate change events isn’t falling evenly. This will exacerbate the existing health disparities faced by many of these

communities, often with large Maori populations, resulting from levels of socioeconomic deprivation and poor access to services,” Nixon said. Health services need to be as decentralised as possible to cope with climate change and adverse events, Nixon said.

“Local rural health

services can be all that is left for a community, often for prolonged periods.”

Nixon said local services are very responsive and adaptable and able to pivot rapidly to address immediate community needs, but they need to be resourced and empowered to do this.

“The health challenges

are often more about accessing routine care than about emergency care. These challenges for isolated communities and health care providers haven’t gone away and will last for many more months.”

A breakdown in communication systems proved a significant problem during Cyclone Gabrielle for local health

A Traffic Management Plan is required any time you’re doing work or activity or events affecting roads or footpaths. That’s because road users – including pedestrians or cyclists – could be affected.

Shepherd Traffic Management has 25 years’ experience. They can assist with applications for Traffic Management Plans and set up sites for roadworks, diversions, road closures or events. They know how to keep all parties safe – workers, pedestrians, and the travelling public.

“We pride ourselves on operating safe sites with good tra c ow. Call us. We can do it all, be it busy state highways, rural roads, or events of any size.” www.stms.nz |

Customer service is important to us: your phone calls will be returned, we communicate with you, and every job will be carried out to your satisfaction. We now offer gas tting services. We can install gas hobs, bayonets for outside BBQs, in nity hot water systems and more. And, as well as routine plumbing maintenance, we also focus on bathroom and kitchen renovation projects.

ROOF PAINTING

Events

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

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 1.30 pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672.

Carterton Community Choir: 7.159pm, at Carterton School, Holloway St. Call [022] 373-4299.

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

Vivienne 379-5564.

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

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call

0800 373 646 for an appointment.

Martinborough: St Andrew’s Church, 9.30-11am; Featherston: Featherston Community Centre, 1.30-3.30pm.

Fareham Creative Space: 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.

Justice of the Peace: Greytown

Library 11am-1pm; Martinborough

Library 11am-1pm.

KeepFit!: 10.30am, Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age

Concern [06] 377-0066.

Masterton Art Club: 10am-2pm, tutored classes available, also print on Fridays, at 12 Victoria St. Call Sue 3777019 or Elissa [0274] 706-528.

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 Kirsten 399 1050.

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: 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 31

Aratoi: Conversations Through Time to Apr 2; Alice Vallance Hosking and Kirsty Gardiner: Conversations through Time to Apr 2; Burn It All Down to May 14; Print Council of New Zealand to June 4; Masterton Museum: A Cabinet of Curiosities to July 2023.

Carterton Craft Market: Mon-Sat: 9am-4pm, Sun: 10am-3pm, 25 High St North, Carterton. 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. Greytown Music and Movement: For pre-schoolers, 10am, at St Luke’s Hall, Main St. Contact email admin@ stlukesgreytown.co.nz

Fareham Creative Space: Open studio, 10am-3pm, 80 Underhill Rd, Featherston. Email: registrations@ farehamcreativespace.nz

Free Community Fit Club: 6am and 11am, Carrington Park, Carterton. All ages, all fitness levels. Call Di [027] 498-7261.

Justice of the Peace: Carterton library noon-2pm; Masterton District Court 11am-1pm; Eketahuna Library

1.30-4.30pm.

Kids Song & Story: 9.30-10.30am, social hour during school terms for preschool children and their caregivers, Epiphany Church hall, High St, Masterton. Pam Thomas 378-6740. 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: Choral singing for children aged seven years up, 3.50-4.50pm, Courthouse, Holloway St, Carterton, during school terms.

Call Jill [027] 347-5891.

Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service: Quit Clinic at Whaiora 9am-noon. Free support available across Wairarapa. Call Whaiora 0800 494 246. Walk and Talk: Meet outside Dish Cafe, First St, Masterton, 9.30am.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

Featherston Fusiliers: Wargaming and boardgames club, meet at Featherston Assembly of God cafeteria, 22 Birdwood St, 10am4.30pm. Contact featherston. fusiliers@gmail.com

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High St, Carterton, 1pm for 1.30 pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672. Cobblestones Early Settlers Village: Open 10am-4pm seven days.

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 Masterton Library, 10amnoon.

Lions Book Sale: 9am-1pm, next to Wairarapa Farmers Market, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton. 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 378-7109. Parkrun: Weekly 5km run/walk. Measured, timed, free. 8am start, at the Woodside end of the Greytown rail trail. Info: parkrun.co.nz/

greytownwoodsidetrail

Saturday in the Park: Food trucks by the Skate Park, QE Park 10am-2pm, rain or shine.

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: Free services for anyone needing support after a cancer diagnosis. Call (06) 378-8039.

Wairarapa Farmers’ Market: 9am1pm, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton.

Wairarapa Genealogy Branch: Family History Research Rooms, 5 Church St, Masterton, 10am-noon. Wairarapa Spinners and Weavers: 10.30am-2pm, in the Wool Shed, Dixon St, Masterton. Call Trish 3788775 or Lynette 377-0236. Women’s Self Defence: With Dion, 9am, band rotunda, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call [020] 4124-4098.

Wairarapa Word: Vivienne Plumb, Wairarapa, 2-3.30pm, open mic and poetry reading.

SUNDAY, APRIL 2

Carterton Farmers Market Memorial Square, 9am-12.30pm. Call [027] 663-9011.

Featherston Menz Shed:

61 Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm.

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, bowls roll up at 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call 377-5458. Masterton Petanque Club: Club day 2pm, in Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane 377-3064. 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. To confirm time please call [027] 628-5889 or [027] 453-0182. Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon, at the Masterton Aerodrome.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

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 Scottish Dance Club: 7.30pm, at Carterton School Hall, Holloway St. Call Elaine 377-0322. Carterton Food Bank: 10-11am Mon-Fri at Haumanu House. Call 379-4092.

CCS Disability Action Wairarapa Office: 36 Bannister St, Masterton, 10am-1pm Mon-Fri. Call 378-2426 or 0800 227-2255.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free and confidential advice, Mon-Fri 9am4pm, 43 Perry St, Masterton. Call 377-0078 or 0800 367-222. Clareville Indoor Bowls: 7pm at Tom Bubb Lounge, A&P complex. Call Colleen 379-8399.

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. Epilepsy Support Group: 11am at the Salvation Army office, 210 High St South, Carterton. Call 0800 20 21 22. Featherston Music Club: 7-9pm. Call Shaun O’Brien [027] 672-6249. Free Community Fit Club: 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 Free of charge for anyone dealing with a terminal illness. Call [06] 378-8888. Indoor Bowls: 1.30pm, Club

Carterton, Broadway, Carterton. Call [027] 645-0905. 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 Branch of the Labour Party: Meet at 6.30pm in Carterton or Masterton. Txt Helen [027] 497-4902 to check venue.

Masterton District Brass Band: Rehearsals at 7pm, in the Band Room, Park Ave, Masterton. Call [022] 574-0742. 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 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 4

Caregivers Programme Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton. Call Kirsten 399-1050. Clareville Badminton Club: Main Stadium at Clareville, 7.30pm -9pm. Call Steve [027] 333-3975. Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High Street, Carterton,1pm for 1.30 pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672. 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.

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

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call 0800 373 646 for an appointment.

Carterton: 3 Mile, 66 High St, 9.30-11.30am; Greytown: Greytown Library, 1.30-3.30pm.

Fareham Creative Space: Open studio, 10am-3pm, 80 Underhill Rd, Featherston. Email: registrations@ farehamcreativespace.nz

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 Community Fit Club: 11am, Carrington Park, Carterton. All ages, all fitness levels. Call Di [027] 4987261.

Free Literacy and Numeracy

Classes: At Literacy Aotearoa

Masterton. Call Carol [022] 524-5994 or visit us at 340 Queen Street, Masterton. 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. Other handcrafts encouraged. 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 Senior Citizens and Beneficiaries Association: Meet for social indoor bowls, 500 cards, or a chat 1-3pm, Senior Citizens hall, Cole St. Call Ngaire 377-0342.

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

Masterton Toy Library: 10am-1pm, at rear of Masterton YMCA, 162 Dixon St, Masterton.

Paint/draw: From live model,10amnoon, at Masterton Art Club, Victoria St. Call Elissa Smith [027] 470-6528. 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.

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

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

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

Taoist Tai Chi: 6-7.30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, 185 High St, Carterton.

Wairarapa Embroiderers Guild: Meet at the Ranfurly Club Rooms, Chapel St, Masterton. Call Billie Sims 378-2949 or Jenny 377-0859.

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.

Wairarapa Spinners & Weavers: Meet 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] 697-6974.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

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, all ages and abilities welcome. Cards: “500”, 1.15-4.15pm, at the Carterton Club. Call Barbara 379-6582 or Val 379-8329.

Carterton Cycle Group: An informal group of ‘leg power’ and e-power cyclists, from Belvedere Rd [weather permitting] for 20km or 40-60km rides. Call Irene [027] 634-9167 or Lesley [021] 299-6389.

Dance Fitness: 9.30-11am, preschoolers with parents or caregivers, music and movement and art, at Fareham House Hall Featherston. Call Justine [0204] 105-2830.

Digital Seniors Wairarapa Call 0800 373 646 for an appointment. Masterton: Citizens Advice, 10-noon. Free Classes: Literacy, language and numeracy for adult learners. Call Literacy Aotearoa 377-4214. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595. Greytown Miniature Makers: 10am2pm to make small thing in scale. All skill levels. Call Kaylene [06] 304-8532. GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 5.30-7pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550.

Healing Rooms Confidential prayer for healing or any situation, 2-4pm, at St Matthews Church Hall, Church St, Masterton, no appointment necessary. Call [027] 245-2819.

Heart of Arts Wairarapa: A 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 0-3-year-olds, 9.3011am, at St David’s Church, corner High and Victoria Sts, Carterton. Call Lorna or Abby 379-8325.

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

Masterton Park Bowling Club:

Queen Elizabeth Park, bowls roll up at 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call 377-5458.

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

Maungaraki Probus: Masterton Club, Essex St, Masterton, at 10am. Call Megan Loar 377-2222 or [021] 070-4290.

Men’s Group: Meet for support and friendship, at the Salvation Army Village, Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton, 7-9pm.

Parkinson’s Singing Group: 10.30am, at the South Wairarapa Workingman’s Club, Main St, Greytown. Call Marguerite Chadwick 379-5376.

Rangatahi to Rangatira Youth Group: Join us for 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, Senior Citizens Hall, 8 Cole St, Masterton. Phone Sue McRae [027] 449-0601. Silver Ukulele Club: 1-3pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Jan [06] 308-8556.

South Wairarapa Caregivers

Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at a café in South Wairarapa. Call Kirsten 399-1050. Soulway Cooking and Crafts 10amnoon, High St, Masterton. Call Nikki Smith 370-1604 [church office]. 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: 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, based in Masterton. Call Sean Mulcahy 379-9316. 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

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

Last week’s crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Least, 4 Not on your nelly, 14 Paste, 15 Canal, 16 Postscript, 17 Spare, 19 Ass, 20 Perplex, 21 Egotistic, 22 Plenty, 25 Dachshund, 27 Taking, 28 Unwise, 33 Assignment, 35 Urn, 36 Amazon, 37 Gift, 39 Gel, 41 Lettuce, 42 Arrive, 43 Itinerary, 44 Lined, 45 Umbrella, 50 So, 51 Document, 55 Villa, 58 Classmate, 59 Madden, 60 Trisect, 61 Sap, 63 Rude, 64 Recede, 65 Lip, 66 Devastated, 68 Varied, 69 Walrus, 71 Adulterer, 76 Signal, 77 Australia, 79 Settled, 81 Cup, 84 Lager, 85 Apparition, 86 Apart, 87 Nasal, 88 On the back-burner, 89 Types.

DOWN: 2 Enamel, 3 Sharp, 5 Oboe, 6 Octagon, 7 Yachts, 8 Units, 9 Nitpick, 10 Lose, 11 Yearly, 12 Essay, 13 Message, 14 Pennant, 18 Mechanical, 23 Cheek, 24 Invalid, 26 Aviator, 27 Tangelo, 29 Imitate, 30 Esteem, 31 Tulip, 32 Domino, 34 Tart, 36 Alone, 38 Tryst, 40 Menu, 45 Ulcer, 46 Boarder, 47 Ease, 48 Leader, 49 Close, 50 Samples, 52 Christened, 53 Mistake, 54 Nickel, 55 Veteran, 56 Adept, 57 Feud, 62 Evils, 67 Seagull, 68 Vaccine, 70 Rhubarb, 72 Drifter, 73 Jargon, 74 Zagreb, 75 Degree, 76 Spasm, 78 Topic, 80 Tipsy, 82 Arch, 83 Sore.

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

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Sabutu soars to new heights

Rising Wairarapa College

netball star Sovaia Sabutu is on the brink of earning national honours.

In what is believed to be a first for a Wairarapa secondary school netballer, the talented 16-year-old has been named as one of 24 players to attend a trial for the New Zealand Secondary School [NZSS] team in the build-up to the 2025 Youth World Cup.

Sabutu has been part of the Waicol team that won the last two Wairarapa Premier One Championships and was last year named Netball Wairarapa’s senior player of the year, an outstanding achievement as she had played much of the season as a 15-year-old.

Waicol coach Keely

Riwai-Couch said Sabutu’s selection is huge for Netball Wairarapa, and she had never heard of anyone else who has got that far while being based in the region.

Riwai-Couch believes the exciting defender has a big future ahead of her.

“Especially being recognised now because, with some, you’ve kind of got to move to another area to a bigger school,”

Riwai-Couch said.

“Now that she has been recognised, she will be considered for any camps in Wellington and that kind of thing. She’ll be on the radar, so that’s great.”

Riwai-Couch said Sabutu’s great attributes are her height, which she gets from her father Waisake, who was a mainstay of the successful Wairarapa United side for several years, including winning the 2011 Chatham

Cup, and her ability to stay calm, no matter what sport she plays.

“She can read the sport, she can read the game well, and with that, you’re able to have a good go at getting interceptions and things like that, and she just does her job and doesn’t get overly fazed by stuff.

“She just gets out there, her focus is good, she works hard, and probably has a lot of natural ability as well, which always helps.

“She never gets flustered; I think that’s just her personality and make-up. Both her parents are like that, and they are beautiful people. She really deserves it, and she’s a beautiful young lady.”

The 24 players who take

part in the three-day trial in Auckland in April will be put through fitness testing, specialist skill sessions and trial matches.

NZSS head coach Pelesa Semua said she is looking forward to working with the top secondary school players after having limited opportunities over the last three seasons because of covid-19.

“This is largely a new group of players who are taking their first steps into Netball New Zealand’s Player Pathway, which is such a positive move after the challenges of the last few years,” Semu said.

“Looking at the big picture, this year will provide some muchneeded international play after such a long absence, but it is also important

exposure for these athletes as we build towards the 2025 World Youth Cup.

“The NZSS team holds a special place in New Zealand netball history and is the pinnacle for secondary school players around the country. We can’t wait to see what these athletes will bring to the trials in what will be a good look into the future of our game in New Zealand.”

The NZSS team will travel to Australia from June 27 to July 3 for the U19 Australian camp, providing some vital international play.

Sovaia caught the eye of selectors with some outstanding play for Waicol at the Lower North Island Secondary Schools Tournament in October 2022.

She and another promising Waicol player, 14-year-old Maggie Shields, then attended trial camps in Palmerston North. That led to Sovaia’s elevation to the national trials.

Riwai-Couch also predicts a big future for Shields, also a promising softballer, who missed out on selection, but has another four years at secondary school to impress.

Sabutu is also multitalented and, like her father, a very good footballer, as well as a useful cricketer and a talented athlete, having represented Waicol at the 2020 NZ Secondary School Championships, making the final in the junior girls 300m hurdles.

Sovaia Sabutu, GK, defending against Carterton Maroon.

Sovaia Sabutu, centre, puts pressure on Celtic shooter Katarina Matapuku in the 2022 Wairarapa Premier One ÿ nal. PHOTOS/FILE