Wairarapa Midweek Wed 9th August

‘Disgraceful’ riders boost build

been running for 25 years and has 53 members from Eketāhuna to Pirinoa. The oldest active member is aged 89.

The Ulysses Club began in Australia, set up for motorcyclists over the age of 40, with the motto ‘Grow Old Disgracefully’.

Its website says the name Ulysses comes from a poem by Tennyson, which tells of the Greek hero, now middle aged, who grows bored and longs to go adventuring again with his mates.

Members of the Wairarapa branch don’t need to own a motorcycle: “You just need to be interested in motorcycles – it’s about riding and the social element and comradeship,” branch co-ordinator Tony Allen said.

“We have female members who ride. Wives and partners who decided they’d like to have a go at riding motorbikes themselves. Some single women as well.”

While some members have a few bikes, others no longer own them for physical or financial reasons but still have an interest and they’re “more than welcome”, Allen said.

The last Wednesday of the

month sees a get-together at a local establishment for a meal, with an organised motorcycle ride every second Sunday.

“Rides can go as far as Manawatu, Wellington or even Taihape,

summertime, for a full day’s ride with lunch,” member Rex Bateman said.

“There may be a destination for a particular purpose, like a motor museum, a truck show, or hotrod show.”

Short rides are also organised, so members are home for the afternoon to spend time with family. Longer trips away may include two weeks in the South Island, with 15-18 bikes on tour.

“We actively promote NZTA-ACC safety initiatives,” Allen said.

“We have designated and trained mentors in the club, to help people with riding.”

Mentors are trained to the highest level through the Institute of Advanced Motorists [IAM] motorcycle division.

“That training is based

on police pursuit training in the UK, so it’s the most intense one-onone motorcycle training available,” Allen said. “If someone needs a quiet word about the way they are riding, it will quietly be pointed out to them.”

Bateman added: “It’s about giving younger riders advice and suggesting another way of doing things if they’re inexperienced, particularly around following distances and speed.”

Bateman has been riding motorcycles for 55 years – when he started, a motorcycle was the affordable way to get from A to B.

“The days of head down across the tank and going hard out are pretty much gone – that’s why I’m still alive now” he said.

Ulysses clubs encourage members to leave home with “all the gear, all the time”, Allen said. “If you

don’t turn up in good quality safety gear, you’ll get talked to.”

With three new club members signed up in the past two months, Ulysses Wairarapa is still looking for new riders. In the meantime, the club will continue to support local causes.

“We support organisations our members may use one day,” Allen said. Past recipients have included Wairarapa’s volunteer fire brigades and the rescue

helicopter. The club has purchased a satellite phone for WFA in the past.

Of course, the aim is that emergency services will only be called on to receive those donations.

• Ulysses Wairarapa committee meetings are on the third Monday of the month at Club Carterton on Broadway. Email: tony.allen@callplus. net.nz or visit the national website of Ulysses New Zealand.

The Ulysses Club NZ logo.

Ulysses members gathered at the Wellington Free Ambulance Masterton depot to hand over a $2000 donation. PHOTOS/JULIA MAHONY

Kevin Morgan arrived on his Can-Am Spyder three-wheel bike.

Pou whenua showing the way

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

A biting southerly and muddy ground couldn’t dampen spirits at the unveiling of a new sculpture and pou whenua [way marker] at the confluence [komititanga] of the Waipoua River and Ruamāhanga River in Masterton last month.

The artwork of a tuna [eel], created by Wairarapa artist Sam Ludden, marks an important moment in a long-running partnership between Kahununu Ki Wairarapa [KKW] and Greater Wellington Regional Council [GW].

The sculpture’s installation has been partly funded by GW through the government’s Climate Resilience Programme, a covid-19 economic recovery project funded by Kānoa [the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment] to support erosion control, flood protection and environmental improvement projects.

The location of the sculpture, at the northeast end of River Road in Masterton, is rich in story and a very significant place for Ngati Haamua hapū, both Wairarapa iwi [Rangitāne and Kahungunu] and the wider community, Ludden said.

“The confluence or komititanga of rivers is always a very powerful spiritual place for Māori.

“The stories I’ve heard, it’s a place of ritual, or tohi rights, where parents would take their newborn babies to be blessed with their whakapapa

Ideas cooked up in the old bakehouse

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

A new co-working space for professional creatives is taking shape in the old bakehouse building on Wakefield Street in Featherston.

The Bakehouse is the idea of three friends –artist and designer, Cheryl Gallaway, rural IT expert and DJ, Daniel Millar, and marionette – and film –maker, Steffen Kreft.

They have each come to the project with different but compatible needs and requirements for a shared workspace.

Millar, who recently

moved to South Wairarapa from Wellington six months ago, works fully remotely and from “poking his nose around Featherston”, felt there was a gap for a space like this in town.

Gallaway had wanted a space for her design practice “since forever,” but struggled to find anything suitable off Featherston’s main street.

Kreft, who commutes by bike to Featherston along the Five Towns Trail with his dog [who completes half the journey in a trailer], was looking for workspace separate from the tiny home he shares with his

by the tohunga [expert practitioner to ensure tikanga – customs – are observed],” he said.

It remains a popular place for the community, especially for rangitahi and whānau, Ludden explained.

“There’s plenty of contemporary stories that emerge down there and you know, kids still go down there in the middle of summer and swim, just as we did in our day.”

Some of the area’s history is complex and troubled, Ludden explained, and mana whenua have been

“deeply hurt” by actions taken in the past that have modified the river, such as the location of a dump on the river near a historic pā site.

“To protect the river from this historical dump site, this project was something that we felt needed to happen as an iwi, and we supported in a gesture of friendship or partnership [with GW],” Ludden said, which led to part of the fund being set aside for story-telling.

This first sculpture is a pilot, explained Ludden.

“We’ve got a threemonth period to see

whether or not it will be vandalised or broken.”

Sharyn Westlake, team leader responsible for floodplain management plan implementation at GW, is proud to have supported the project and excited about the opportunities the sculpture brings the community.

“I love that the sculpture is installed as prototype for the community, who will act as kaitiaki of the tuna sculpture alongside the komititanga,” she said.

For Ludden, the project could help shift how the community thinks about and interacts with its waterbodies.

“It’s changing the narrative a little bit from needing to be protected from the river, to how we connect with the river, and how if we look after the river, it will look after us.”

In addition to the sculpture, Rawiri [Ra] Smith, environment manager [Kaiwhakahaere Taiao] for KKW, is developing a website in partnership with Victoria University.

next room will be fully operational.”

While the Bakehouse offers co-working space, the group thinks it will function a little differently from the model typically found in towns and cities in New Zealand, including in Carterton and Martinborough with 3mile and 51 Jellicoe.

It will “host stories attached to place”, Ludden said. “Places will include river names through Wairarapa valley, wetlands and Wairarapa Moana.”

In the future, a QR code attached to the pou whenua will link to the website and digital audio and visual information about the area, which is also supported by GW.

The project is the first in what KKW hope to be a network of such places across Wairarapa, Ludden said.

“It’s been the dream of our kaumatua to identify those places and make sure that their stories are told and preserved.”

GW will continue to work closely with iwi and the community on a range of nature-based projects to manage the flow of water while respecting the mana of te awa, Westlake said.

“This could include restoring or creating wetlands, improving fish passage, afforestation, giving the river room to move, improving soil condition and a range of other measures.”

“Just being open to a flexible space that anyone can use that’s relatively cheap.”

Marie Clare Andrews, who opened Wairarapa’s first co-working space, 3mile in Carterton, welcomed the new facility.

partner in Greytown.

The Bakehouse building had been empty for a couple of years when Millar found it, and the trio is now working with the landlord to gradually renovate the multi-room property and plant the garden.

“There’s a little bit of work that still needs to be done before the second rooms get properly opened

up,” Millar said. “But what complements that is we can have organic growth, and because we’ve got organic growth we don’t have to lease the whole building initially and take that financial hit.

“We can stagger the growth as we grow. But I would expect that in the next maybe three to four months hopefully, the

“‘Community’ is a big part of the space,” Gallaway said. “Fostering that, not just our community but as part of the wider community as well.”

For Millar, the versatile nature of the space is part of that vision.

“Being able to hold it as a space for pop-up events or weekend art galleries or for a high school band that wants to have their first performance or something like that,” he said.

“It’s awesome there is more co-working space,” she said. “It makes sense. The communities are very different.”

The Bakehouse team is excited about what the future holds.

“We are very open to any energy that gets brought with an idea,” Millar said.

• The Bakehouse Collective open evening is on Friday, September 8, 5pm-8pm. For more information, contact hello@ bakehousecollective.nz

The Bakehouse team: (from left) Cheryl Gallaway, Daniel Millar and Ste˜ en Kreft.

PHOTO/LUCY COOPER

The pou whenua and tuna sculpture is at the northeast end of River Road, Masterton.

PHOTO/LUCY COOPER

Round of a-paws for o˜ -grid digs

Lucy Cooper lucy.cooper@age.co.nz

Stray dogs picked up by South Wairarapa District Council’s [SWDC] dog wardens can now expect award-winning accommodation, thanks to a project championed by SWDC’s environmental services manager, Rick Mead, and his team.

Mead’s idea for a sustainable, off-the-grid dog pound was recognised for its innovation at the Local Government New Zealand [LGNZ] SuperLocal conference awards recently, claiming first place in the SuperIdea category and runner-up in the overall Supreme award.

Faced with having to replace the old facility, which did not meet the Ministry for Primary

Industry’s [MPI] standards, Mead and his team started the project by thinking about what was needed “and how we could do it in a different way”.

‘Green, modular and future-proofed’ became Mead’s fundamental principles for the pound’s design and build, as well as ensuring high standards for animal welfare and disease management.

The finished facility, located in rural South Wairarapa, is comprised of two insulated and climate-controlled containers painted sky blue and two spacious outdoor exercise yards within a neat, tidy and secure compound.

Space and infrastructure are also available for expansion

later if needed.

While MPI’s standards were a starting point for Mead, “we didn’t just want to meet the minimum”, he said.

“We were trying to

produce the lowest carbon footprint we could. So the whole animal facility is off-grid. All the power is generated through our solar panel system. Our compound lights meet the Dark Sky Reserve requirements as well.”

The four kennels include an inside area

with a basket and blanket and a 2.4m by 1.5m outdoor run area, both of which are lined with stainless steel which is “easy to wash, easy to clean”, Mead said.

“And we’ve done it to what I call a surgical level, so the seams [in the stainless steel] are done in a way so that the pathogens don’t grow.”

As important and necessary as having a compliant pound is for SWDC and the community, it is only part of the picture, Mead explained.

Engaging with dog owners, educating them and ensuring people register and microchip their four-legged friend is also important.

“Part of our role is to actually go in and inspect a property and say so how

did the dog get out? And if we can identify that, you know, through the fence or something, we can actually mitigate the chances of it happening again.

“Our philosophy is about ensuring long-term compliance and therefore our numbers in regards to our own pound have dropped because we’re interacting with those stakeholders to find solutions.”

Mead’s pride in what he, his team and local suppliers have managed to achieve is palpable.

“We got really good buy-in from our suppliers. We used a lot of local suppliers when we could. And they really bought

into the idea of what we were trying to do in regards to producing an innovative idea, but also one that fit for us.” Mead said.

The award is “a testament to all the hard work Rick put into it and his team put into it”, interim council chief executive, Paul Gardner said.

“Rick’s tight financial management of the whole project really resulted in us being in the enviable position where we have got councillors coming to us scratching their heads thinking how on earth did you achieve that?”

The total project cost was $456,500.

SWDC’s new dog pound is powered by solar and can accommodate four dogs.

PHOTOS/LUCY COOPER

“We didn’t just want to meet the minimum.”

Rick Mead, environmental services manager, SWDC

Dog control warden, Daniel Curry (left) and Environmental Services Manager, Rick Mead, at the new dog pound facility.

Garden Fiesta wairarapa

A festival of all things gardening –from plants to produce and everything in between

Driving for the record

A chain of vintage vehicles will travel from Martinborough to Masterton on a charity drive to raise money for the Wairarapa Cancer Society this month.

The Wairarapa branch of the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand is hoping for a record-breaking number of more than 70 participants, to turn heads as they travel north on the Rally for Cancer Organiser Jim Laird said there would be

some motorcars from the pre-1920s era, with the majority up to the mid-1950s. However, any vehicles older than 30 years were welcome to join the “Tiki Tour”. The rally will kick off with registration in Martinborough’s town square, before vehicles head to Greytown, Carterton and Masterton in the non-timed event. Something different this year would be a loop around the grounds of one of Masterton’s rest homes – which one will be revealed on the day.

The registration fee for each vehicle would go to the Wairarapa Cancer Society.

The drive will conclude between 12pm-1pm in the carpark of Masterton’s Farrier’s Bar and Eatery, which had invited the club to use its bay shelters.

“At Farrier’s, there will be a ‘Show and Shine’ and the judging of best car and runner-up,” Laird said.

“We hope to set a record for the number of vehicles participating – previous events have attracted 50plus motorcars.” • Rally for Cancer is on Sunday, August 20. Registrations open 9am, departure 10am. $10 registration fee.

A convoy of vintage cars head south from Castlepoint Station to Otahome Station during a run arranged by the Wairarapa branch of the Vintage Car Club.

PHOTO/KEVIN BALL

*O er valid to 05.09.23 or while stocks last. Discount o ers apply to selected beds and bedding only, prices as marked. O ers exclude Everyday Dream prices, run outs, clearance stock (unless otherwise stated) and not to be used in conjunction with any other o er. See in- store for details. We reserve the right to correct errors and misprints and to change product speci cations. All products are advertised in good faith and will be available, except in circumstances beyond our control. Product ranges vary between stores and some products are available in selected stores only. *24 months interest free is available on Long Term Finance (LTF) for in-store and online purchases until 05.09.23. Min spend $999. O er excludes Everyday Dream Prices, run outs, clearance, laybuy and not to be used in conjunction with any other o er. Lending criteria, $50 annual Account Fee, fees, Ts&Cs apply. $55 Establishment Fee applies to your rst LTF transaction, $35 Advance Fee applies to subsequent LTF transactions. Min payments of 3% of the monthly closing balance or $10 (whichever is greater) are required throughout interest free period. Paying only the minimum monthly payments will not fully repay the loan before the end of the interest free period. Q Mastercard Expired Promotional Rate or Q Card Standard Interest Rate (both 27.99% p.a.) applies at the end of LTF Interest Free Period. (See Ts&Cs for Q Mastercard Standard Interest Rate applicable to outstanding balance of a Standard Purchase.) Rates and fees subject to change. Columbus Financial Services Limited and Consumer Finance Limited reserve the right to amend, suspend or terminate the o er and these Ts&Cs at any time without notice. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Battle of the Coral Sea remembered

In 1967 Masterton hosted some maritime visitors for a special commemorative visit. MARK

PACEY of the Wairarapa Archive recalls the visit of two US destroyers for the Battle of the Coral Sea commemorations.

In May of 1942, the Pacific War had been going on for six months.

The Japanese seemed unstoppable and were winning victory after victory.

In a short period, they had advanced far from the Japanese home islands and were now threatening New Guinea.

They decided on a naval action against Port Moresby and planned to land several thousand troops there. But the Americans had learned of this and together with the Australian navy sailed to meet them.

This battle – the Battle of the Coral Sea – would

go down in history as one of the most important naval battles of the war.

On paper, it looked like a Japanese victory.

The Japanese lost one light carrier, one destroyer and three minesweepers, whereas the Americans lost a fleet carrier, a destroyer and

an oiler.

Fleet carriers were the most valuable vessels in a modern navy, often determining the outcome of sea battles.

But the fact that the Japanese couldn’t land their troops meant it was a tactical (though costly) victory for the Allies

and would be forever remembered, especially in Australia, which had come so close to having the Japanese camped on their doorstep.

Twenty-five years later, in 1967, commemorative celebrations were held, and two American vessels sailed to New Zealand to

take part.

USS Maddox and USS Gridley arrived in Wellington where their crew disembarked. These were impressive machines of war. The USS Gridley was a missile destroyer and had in its arsenal two surface-to-air missiles, anti-submarine rockets, two triple torpedo mounts and two twin rapid-fire guns.

As part of the welcoming of these naval men to our shores, many were allowed to spend the night here and 36 were lucky enough to spend their night in Masterton as guests of the Navy

League.

It was not the first time American naval men had visited Masterton and it certainly would not be the last.

New Zealanders appreciated what our brothers in arms did for us during World War II and Masterton and Wairarapa would continue to be visited by many of them long after it ended. Unfortunately for the crews of the USS Maddox and USS Gridley their night was soon up and it was time to board their ships and head back out to sea again.

ABOVE: USS Gridley

LEFT: [From left] Seaman Gary Pembrooke [Pennsylvania], Keith Glover, Mrs T. Glover, Lorraine Glover, Mrs C.A. Skeet and Fire Control Technician Jim Sirrine [New York].

PHOTOS/WAIRARAPA ARCHIVE

Did you know that here in New Zealand we have close to 100 endemic birds (only found in NZ), and almost the same amount of natives (natives are found elsewhere too).

We are very lucky to have these beautiful creatures, but we shouldn’t be taking them for granted - lots of our natives are classed as threatened!

We should be caring for these wild birds, and encouraging them to our gardens, especially during winter when food can be scarce.

Providing a sanctuary, and food, for birds by planting ‘bird friendly’ trees & shrubs, is a simple thing we could all do.

If you are designing a new garden or redeveloping an old one, why not create a setting where native birds will be at home?

Tui, bellbird & kereru will travel considerable distances in search of ˜ owers & fruit.

There’s no wonder birds love Pohutawaka’s & Bottlebrushes -the vivid owers are a welcome sight during the cooler months.

HANG‘EM HIGH

Some native birds have become wary about feeding on the ground, wise to the possibility that a cat may be lurking in the bushes. To keep out of the reach of predators, fantails and waxeyes prefer to build their nests in the branches of tall shrubs like manuka.˛Grasses and reeds like dwarf ˜ ax˛are great for providing nesting material as well as generally providing shelter.

Flaxes (Phormiums) come in many sizes & colours and are a wonderful way to add colour and texture to the bird friendly garden.

CAMELLIAS

Dragon’s Gold Kowhai is a small growing Sophora that birds love

SHARE THE JOY

Planting favourite foods like ˜ ax and k˝whai close to the house means you will get to enjoy bird song & sight. Do take care though, sometimes re˜ ections on windows can confuse birds, and they ˜ y into the glass.

SPECIES

Plant Daphne for winter fragrance

Many camellias provide a food source for native birds at a time when food can be in short supply. Single ˜ owers that have one row of petals around a central boss of stamens, or semi-double with two rows of petals are a rich source of nectar and can attract tui, bellbirds and waxeyes. Both the pollen and nectar feed bees as well as some overwintering monarch butter˜ ies.

Get

PUSHED FOR SPACE?

If you have limited space for big trees, try growing plants in containers, e.g. titoki, broadleaf and cabbage tree. Some shrubs like kakabeak can even be shaped to ÿ t in with your garden design - but make sure you allow them to ˜ ower so the birds beneÿ t.

PLANTS FOR BIRDS - WE’VE GOT WHAT YOU NEED! HEBES

CAMELLIAS

These can be used in so many ways for the home garden, hedges, pots & specimen trees

MAGNOLIAS

These look outstanding and are a good source of bugs & caterpillars during winter & spring

Plant Citrus & Fruit Trees

Plant Roses

Pies the limit for apprentice

The queue was out of the door at Clareville Bakery in Carterton last weekend as customers flocked to try its tasty fare, including a new award-winning offering.

The bakery, which celebrates its 10th birthday in September, scooped first place at this year’s Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards in the Apprentice Pie Maker category.

Second-year baking apprentice, Amie Irwin, beat over 30 other hopefuls with her slow cooked lamb, rosemary, caramelised onion and vintage cheese pie, to be named Apprentice Pie Maker of the Year.

Michael Kloeg, who with his wife, Roze, owns and runs Clareville Bakery, is extremely proud of Irwin’s persistence to land the perfect pie.

“Amie put a phenomenal amount of work into tweaking things, trying different methods for the pastry,” Kloeg said.

“The flavour combinations she revisited quite a number of times until she found something she was really, really happy with and I think the judges were really happy with as well.”

One of the trickier components of pie-making is the pastry, and it took a collaborative team effort to help Irwin consistently

produce the perfect flake and rise to her puff pastry.

“Puff pastry is a very temperamental product,” Kloeg said.

“It requires the ‘right’ temperature. Too cold and the butter will crack and shatter. Too warm, and the butter melts into the dough and you lose your

flake.

“It can be very frustrating when you think you’ve done exactly the same thing and it comes out slightly different than what you wanted.”

Irwin’s win at the pie awards is extremely satisfying for Kloeg and his team.

“It’s a confirmation that what [Irwin] has made has been appreciated and acknowledged at the highest level.”

It’s important feedback

for a bakery that specialises in “yummy food”, and is a testament to the commitment and talent of his team, Kloeg said.

“We’ve got a fantastic team that is really passionate about making yummy food,” he said. “And when we say yummy, that is very, very yummy.

“As a team, we try to push one another and push ourselves to be able to provide the best products for our customers.”

Irwin’s accolade and Clareville’s other awards give everyone a boost, Kloeg said.

“From Irwin’s colleagues in the bakery to the front-of-house staff, they’re thrilled. The customers are thrilled.”

Irwin’s lamb pie is now a strong seller at the Clareville Bakery, which routinely shifts 1,200 pies, several hundred cronuts and over a thousand loaves of bread a week.

“It has certainly seen an increase in customers coming in to try the pie,” Kloeg said.

“When they walk away with a smile on their face, that’s amazing.”

ABOVE: Amie Irwin receiving her award at the 25th Bakels NZ Supreme Pie Awards with NZ Bakels national sales manager, Tony Marshall. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED RIGHT: Judging the Apprentice Pie Maker competition.

Thank you!

We would like to thank the Wairarapa community for their support since opening in May.

feedback has been awesome, and we’re pleased to be operating in the Wairarapa. We are doing our best to o˜ er our customers a wider range of products at prices suitable for everyone’s budget. Stop waste and save money.

to Reduced to Clear Masterton yet, call in to say Hi, we hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised at

– The team at Reduced to Clear

Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

Squeezing past a few legs to reach our seats at the Wellington Regional Stadium for a Women’s World Cup football match, someone yelled my name.

In a stadium holding almost 20,000 people, there to see Sweden challenge Italy, someone knew me. I swivelled and saw a former neighbour from Wairarapa, two rows up.

For a few seconds, the world spun, as sitting directly behind her was the colleague I work most closely with at Midweek – Lucy. Seeing them both there – their two heads in alignment – was a bizarre thrill. Heads featured a lot during that Saturday evening match. Sweden won 5-0, with headers leading to some of the goals. It’s always admirable when someone uses their noggin to bunt a hard football anywhere, let alone into a netted space. In those moments, the game is “headball” with feet serving only to provide

balance and height.

Ponty tails were certainly flying that night, as skulls struck the sphere left, right and centre.

Reserve members of the Sweden team warmed up right in front of our section – tall women with mainly long blonde hair – who kept being told by officials to move from behind the goal. As the goal difference widened, their warmup moves became more animated and their aerial leaps grew higher.

In the theme of a currently popular movie about women’s empowerment, ‘Football Barbie’ sprung to mind.

“Pass it to the blonde,” the man behind me said repeatedly.

The crowd buoyed the Swedes even further, a sea of beanie hats in all colours bobbing in seated lines, as across the pitch, the dejected Italy squad huddled and hunched in their team shelter.

Before the match, we had joined thousands of well-spaced match-goers moving up the ramps to the stadium concourse. In the darkness, as we walked

rather quietly in mainly dark clothes towards the towering sports ground, it felt a bit like a zombie movie.

Inside was anything but. My family enjoyed every bit of the electric atmosphere, the sounds, the crowd interaction. The athleticism of the players, the speed of the game, the good spirits of the crowd with its Mexican Waves, the chanting, the applause, the hot chips.

It was chilly, but of course that didn’t deter some “youths” from removing their tops and doing loud stuff. We were one block over, in the alcohol-free zone, but quite honestly didn’t notice that deprivation.

At half-time, the stadium lights were turned off and people were asked to turn on their cellphone torches to create a mesmerising, twinkling arena in the middle of the Wellington winter.

My colleague Lucy’s head almost featured in a more negative role during the match, when she was struck on the neck by a small glass bottle.

It came from rows back – impossible to tell who threw the missile. Poor Lucy brought a bruise to the office on Monday, instead of a Sweden jersey.

So, the bottle tosser remained anonymous and escaped the wrath of the ring of security guards who stood facing the crowd for the entire match, watching for some misdeed.

As we filed out of the stadium, sardined between tearful Italy fans, jolly

Sweden supporters and tons of families who had enjoyed the relatively low ticket prices and – for some – a free train from Wairarapa, we muttered the promising line: “Must do this again soon.”

Why did we attend a live sports game two hours from home in mid-winter, when New Zealand wasn’t even playing? For all the reasons above, a couple that can’t be printed and others I’ve forgotten.

The Wairarapa Midweek is subject to New Zealand Media Council procedures. A complaint must first be directed in writing to the editor’s email address. If not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Media Council P.O Box 10-879, Wellington 6143. Or use the online complaint form at www.presscouncil.org.nz. Please include copies of the article and all correspondence with the publication.

PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

...Tony Allen, coordinator of Wairarapa Ulysses club

As a child, I spent a lot of time…

Sleeping!

What is the most unexpected piece of advice you have ever received?

Don’t do strange questionnaires.

Do you have any unusual collections?

A nearly complete collection of Two Wheels magazines going back to 1969.

Who is the most famous person you’ve met? Did they speak to you?

Sir Edmund Hillary. I shook his hand and had a chat with him.

I would love more time to…

Ride motorbikes.

My favourite local shop is… Greytown Pharmacy.

CONTACT US

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

Celebrating trust

Marlene Ditchÿ eld marlene.ditchÿ eld@age.co.nz

A special celebration to mark the 100th birthday of Masterton’s Public Trust building was held recently.

Organised by the former District Trustee, Jeff Thomas, it attracted former staff members, present-day officials, current tenants, and owner, Dick Quinn, who has restored the building to its original glory.

The Public Trust was a groundbreaking organisation in 1870s New Zealand being a world first.

Late nineteenth–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 in the role of trustee to protect them in the absence of a husband or father.

The idea for the government to protect the

assets of vulnerable people was a progressive solution to the problems of colonial society.

Masterton was booming in the 1920s and the grand three-storey Public Trust building was built in 1923, one of 16 eventually built around New Zealand. There are two steel vaults on each floor.

Of heritage interest is the birdcage lift, still in fine order and one of only two left working in New Zealand – the other being in Parliament.

The Public Trust was the first to employ women in government departments; to provide Māori and Pacific scholarships, and to fight for the official recognition of mental illness.

Guests gather on the ground ˜ oor of the Public Trust building in Masterton.

Dick Quinn, the building’s current owner. PHOTOS/ MARLENE DITCHFIELD

A huia at home

From a model ship to a 1930s microphone, a game of tiddlywinks to a pair of DIY gloves, each staff member was asked to choose an object from the Aratoi Collection that spoke to them, for our new exhibition Choice: Staff Picks from the Collection Staff enjoyed digging around in the collection to find objects for this fun and eclectic exhibition. Director Sarah McClintock honed in on the huia, which brought back a sad memory.

“The only time I have ever cried in a museum was at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and it was in front of a mounted huia pair. I found it unbearably sad to be confronted by this extinct taonga so far from home,” she said.

“Huia are extinct because of the actions

of humans – hunting them for the creation of objects such as this, for mounting as specimens within museums, our introduction of predators and the destruction of their habitats.

“Their memory now exists in these macabre talismans of a species gone far too soon. We can only hope that the legends are true – that huia still exist but are hiding in dense bush that no human can penetrate.”

The last confirmed sighting of a huia was in the Tararua Range on December 28, 1907. They now only exist in museum collections as mounted specimens, skins and jewellery. The use of manu [birds] as adornment is imbedded within te ao Māori, with feathers and bones used in raranga [weaving] and whakairo

Wetland wondering

working out the best trees to grow and how, to restore wetlands.

[carving].

Collection curator Jo Torr uncovered a ‘Make-aGlov’ kit in the collection. World War II made gloves a luxury item that most women couldn’t justify owning. During wartime, women became more active members of society and often didn’t concern themselves with wearing such an impractical accessory in

the workplace. This “Make-a-Glov’ kit has an inscription on the reverse of the envelope that reads: ‘Sorry these are opened. I was going to make them for you but know I will not have time.

N.B. To save you time, there is a small portion to be removed in the thumb piece. Hope you will find time to deal with these. Much love Mummy.’

“I have a textile background along with my museum one – these items give me pleasure. I’ve always wondered how fine leather gloves were constructed and now I know,” Torr said.

• Discover more interesting stories in Aratoi’s new exhibition, Choice: Staff Picks from the Collection, showing until October 29.

What are wetlands? How big was Wairarapa Moana and wetlands in the past?

Why are there so many swans here and grass in the water? Are the wetlands swollen?

These were a few initial wonderings of young people from four schools who participated in the Enviroschools Wetland Wondering Day at Wairio Wetlands last week.

The day was a collaboration between the Wairarapa Moana projects team from Greater Wellington Regional Council, Kohunui Marae whānau and Enviroschools.

The young people participated in a wide range of activities in the morning including;

Measuring trees,

Demonstrating how catchments work and learning about the important role wetlands play.

Weaving harakeke caterpillars and hearing how Wairarapa Moana was the food basket for local hapu.

Slowing down and taking on the perspective of the wetlands and creatures which was then expressed through creative writing.

The young people enjoyed writing about and describing wetlands – one said it helped them learn that wetlands can help stop flooding.

After being restored by a cup of hot chocolate and a sausage, everyone was ready to take action and help in the restoration of the wetlands by planting trees, which were sourced

from Kohunui Marae nursery.

Each plant was lovingly held, eased into the soil and then tucked into its new home with a wool mat.

So, what were the wonderings at the end of day?

How will catchments cope in the future?

How long will it take to restore the wetlands? How long will those trees take to grow to become a forest?

HOME FOR A PET

Looking for a dog to be your new best buddy? There are plenty out there waiting to be part of a loving family. Enquire with:

y Masterton District Council, email: animalservices@mstn.govt.nz

y SPCA Masterton, visit: www.spca.nz/centre/masterton-centre

y Ellie’s Canine Rescue, visit: www.elliesk9rescue.co.nz

Just remember:

y Never give a dog as a gift unless it has been requested (and responsible adults are onboard).

y Involve the recipient in choosing the dog –after all, they will be together for the next 15 years.

y Consider lifestyle, accommodation, finances and time – the biggest demand will be time.

Several young people were also caught wondering: “When can we come again?” Each of the schools said they wanted to take action by doing more plantings in their own schools and communities.

Thank you to Kohunui Marae, GWRC, Department of Conservation, the Mauri Oho Project, Stephen Hartley (VUW), Mountains to Sea Wellington, South

Wairarapa District Council, Carterton District Council, Fish and Game, Zip Plumbing Masterton, Little Green Dunny, Ti-K Photography and the Enviroschools Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui team. Conservation Week runs from August 14-20.

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

Young people from Martinborough and Pirinoa schools demonstrate what happens when it rains in the Catchment Model.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Aratoi director Sarah McClintock and her collection choice.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Gill Stewart Wairarapa Enviroschools community facilitator

Zodiacal party and moon-y surprise

If your star sign is Aquarius, Capricornus, Sagittarius, Scorpius, Libra or Virgo, midmonth is a good time to see all of them arrayed across the evening sky.

I am not into astrology by any means but knowing the zodiacal constellations is a good way of finding your way around the sky by recognising the constellation shapes.

Any date around midmonth will be good, but 17th is best, as it springs a surprise in the west. But let’s start from the east.

First up in the east is Aquarius. Planet Saturn is the brightest object

Nick Sault Sky Watch

in this part of the sky, and for convenience it is sitting halfway between Aquarius and Capricornus. Aquarius is below Saturn and Capricorn is equidistant higher in the sky. Aquarius is spread out north-south but if you can see the water carrier in it, you are doing better than me.

Capricornus is like a big bent triangle and it’s very hard to see a goat there, plus its stars are not particularly bright. The brightest, Omicron, is just a tad higher in the

eastern sky than Saturn and not nearly as bright. Follow that line up to overhead and you come to Sagittarius. This is supposed to depict the Centaur – half-man, half-horse. Some call its shape the teapot. You decide whether you see a horse with a man’s upper body protruding out of where the horse’s head and neck would be, or whether you see a teapot. If you are in a very dark place, catch the Milky Way just on the western edge of the teapot-shaped asterism.

Continuing on towards the west, still fairly overhead, you can’t miss the bright star Antares. It’s a red giant and you can see the redness if you look carefully. You are now in the head of the Scorpion. I think Scorpius is the constellation most like what it is supposed to be – a scorpion. Antares is in the head of the thing and arrayed above and to the south of it you can see the line of its body and the curly tail. Scorpions go around most of the time with their tails coiled up like this.

Follow the line from

overhead towards the west and you come to Libra, the weighing scales. The two brightest stars there form the top of the balance, with weights hung below. Hmmm. See what you think.

Finally, drop your eyes down to the west and above that horizon is Virgo, the Virgin. You may not see a virgin there, but you will see the first-magnitude star Spica, and lower toward the horizon, the red planet Mars. As I said earlier, on the 17th there is a surprise, as the very thin new moon joins the party, halfway between the star and the planet.

The Triÿ d nebula in Sagittarius.

PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Councillor K˜reroLou Newman

Decision-making is part of the job description for an Elected Member.

From Representation to Ratings Reviews, no day is ever the same. These are big decisions which can have a large and lasting e ect, not only on locals today but generations into the future, ones that really make you stop and think.

Short-term thinking is deeply embedded in our political and economic structure. The threeyear election terms and our “buy now, pay later” system is damaging our connection with the future.

What we really should be asking is “Are the things we’re doing now going to screw over the next generation?” Now is the time to make tough and brave

decisions. Equity is an oftenoverlooked concept in these decisions with equality being seen as “good enough.” I’ve found the picture below really helps explain the di erence.

Equality, everyone being treated the same irrespective of their starting point, seems to be the go-to option when it comes to decision-making and while this is better than inequality, which may be the starting point, it is not enough.

Equity, inherently linked to fairness and inclusion, when we use custom tools that address inequality, is the next step toward justice.

It recognises, due to the systematic di erences in people’s lives, the di erent starting point and needs

Hundreds of responses to Speed Review consultation

South Wairarapa and Carterton District Councils received more than 450 submissions to the recent Speed Review consultation. The proposal asked for feedback on lowering the speed limit around several schools and marae, and a speed limit review on some high-priority roads.

The Councils will now go through the process of

collating the submissions, setting a date for submission hearings, and contacting those who have asked to speak to their submissions. Following hearings, the two councils will discuss the submissions and take into consideration any suggested changes resulting from public feedback. Any changes will be nalised and adopted at public meetings.

Carterton District Council & Committee meetings 2023

23 August, 15 November

11.30am

Policy and Projects Committee, Wednesdays, 9am 16 August, 4 October, 22 November

Water Race Committee, Wednesdays 1pm

16 August, 22 November

people experience. In some circumstances, people need to be treated di erently in order to provide meaningful equality of opportunity.

An example of this is in our current ratings review where we are considering the percentage of our rates which should be a Universal Annual General Charge, a set amount for every ratings unit, to the percentage which should be a general rate, based on the value of the property.

Legislation allows 30% of rates

to be UAGC and Carterton is sitting right at the top with about 29.9%. With equity and forward thinking at the forefront of our minds I believe this should be dropped signi cantly. We must look for solutions to problems in an integrated way. We need to think about the longer-term impacts of our decisions and ensure we work with people, communities, and each other to combat deeprooted societal problems in an equitable way - with future generations at the forefront of our minds.

Less Waste, Greater Place

Have your say on the future of waste in Wairarapa and Wellington Region

The Draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan and Wairarapa Action Plan are out for public feedback. Visit lesswastegreaterplace.co.nz for more information and share your ideas.

You can also meet Carterton Councillor Steve Cretney and Masterton Councillor

Tom Hullena to talk about the plans. They will be at Carterton Library, on Tuesday, 15 August from 11am to noon.

Carterton readying for Da˝ odil Festival and Big Wai Art Show

Carterton is gearing up for another huge weekend with the return of the iconic Da odil Festival on Sunday 10 September, and the Big Wai Art show from Friday 8.

Visitors will enjoy da odil picking, steam train excursions, the High Street market, and street performances.

Mayor Hon. Ron Mark said Council was grateful to the

Booth family, who through generations “have displayed generosity by sharing their Middlerun farm with our community for da odil picking”.

“When the weather turns on it’s a stunning day for everyone. I never get sick of seeing photos of families and their children sitting in a sea of da odils and enjoying watching the steam train come in. It’s just a magical day for all.”

Ruam˙hanga – a trapping water hole

The character of our awa tapu or our sacred river is that it weaves the waterways of its whaitua or catchment.

As the water weaver, Ruamahanga has many komititanga or con uences where it weaves mauri. The mauri of two rivers is not the meeting of opponents, but the weaving of two strong entities for synergy. One result is that after two water quantities come together there is a scouring of the riverbed so the river deepens. The pool at this water hole is quiet and peaceful, in sharp contrast to the gurgling of where the waters rst meet.

The Rua of Ruamahanga is the hole and the mahanga or the trap describes the type of water hole. The quality of water at this point is cooler water in the deepest part of the water hole and this is what sh love. The water hole then is a good place to put a trap.

Head to www.cdc.govt.nz/da odil or facebook.com/ cartertonda odilfestivalnz for more details or visit www.waiart.nz for the Wai Art Show.

The festival runs alongside the Wai Art Show at the Carterton Events Centre.

INTERACTION INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE. ARTIST: ANGUS MAGUIRE

Booktown ‘blooming’ rapt

Featherston Booktown is one of six Wairarapa businesses selected as finalists in the 25th Wellington Gold Awards.

Cited for “inspiring people to read more, write more and debate ideas”, Featherston Booktown is competing in the ‘Vibrant Gold Category’ for events and hospitality, which operations manager Mary Biggs described as “blooming fabulous”.

The organisation was encouraged by Destination Wairarapa to enter the awards this year due to the increasingly successful festivals they’ve held since the covid-19 lockdowns.

“Featherston Booktown loves to have an opportunity to celebrate our amazing town and our

awesome community in Featherston Paetūmōkai, so hearing the news that we are Wellington Gold Awards finalists this year in the Vibrant Gold category for events and hospitality is brilliant. It’s uplifting,” Biggs said.

And there’s no slowing down for Featherston Booktown, with plans to launch a Booklover’s Trail and audio app next month that people visiting Wairarapa can download and listen to as they drive through the region.

“They’ll hear stories from booksellers, mana whenua, historians, and writers explaining why they’ve made Wairarapa home,” Biggs said.

But wait, there’s more: “This year and next year are going to be booming ones for us as we’re hosting the International

Organisation of Book Towns global conference in March [14-18] and delivering our ninth Karukatea Festival in May [8 -2].

“And then I think we will have a lie-down,” Biggs said.

“Featherston Booktown is a nationally and internationally acclaimed example of how a deprived community can be re-energised through culture. We’re a literary development organisation seeking to grow thriving communities by inspiring people to read more, write more and debate ideas.

“Featherston Booktown has encouraged the development of not just Featherston, but the whole Wairarapa valley as a cultural destination for book lovers – a new category of tourist.”

Mary Biggs, operations manager of Featherston Booktown. PHOTO/FILE

Rebecca King rebecca.king@age.co.nz

Acorns, wool and sneakers

This week’s ramble is a bit of a pot pourri. My brain wasn’t leading me in any definite direction, so I thought I would just have a natter about a couple of things that have caught my eye.

I haven’t watched a news bulletin on TV once this year. In fact, I don’t watch standard television at all. I can’t stand New Zealand television. I think it is dreadful. The quality of the programmes and the quality of the presenters and announcers [especially comedians] has turned me right off. I subscribe to the Wairarapa Times-Age and have a Radio NZ app on my phone. I simply scroll through the headlines and read the bits that grab my attention.

I have a very close

Netflix, Neon, YouTube and the fantastic Acorn TV [my favourite] and I enjoy a completely advert-free viewing experience.

Scrolling through my phone the other day, I was very surprised to discover that New Zealand imports wool. Despite being the second largest wool exporter in the world [after Australia], we are also the 50th largest importer of wool. That’s quite high, considering there are 195 countries in the world.

This wool comes in from Australia,

Austria, Italy and Mongolia. The latest sheep census held in June 2022 [I wonder if they were bribed with tickets to the Warriors games like we were], shows a national sheep population of 25.3 million, so why in the world would we be importing wool? I find that most intriguing. There is probably a very logical answer but I can’t find it. And I was interested to see that we are still importing products from Russia despite a statement in April from

might be considering it, will get the clear message.”

The main products were wood products and ‘plastics and articles thereof’. Mmmm, I wonder what ‘articles thereof’ are. The mind boggles. In November 2022 there was $4 of rubber products [maybe that was an ‘article thereof’] and $84 of cocoa products on the import list from Russia. Intriguing. Another item that caught my eye was the level of support Donald Trump continues to have from Republicans, despite his increasing list of indictments. There is a very good chance that he will win the Republican nomination. Last week his support level was at 65 per cent, with his closest rival at 15 per cent. What don’t these people get? I saw a picture of a woman holding a banner ‘WOMEN FOR TRUMP’. It beggars belief.

And did you know that if he goes to prison, he can’t vote, but he can still stand for President? And if he wins, he will attempt to overturn his convictions and give himself a pardon.

In 1920, Eugene Debs stood for President whilst serving a 10-year prison sentence and received nearly one million votes. Americans have also elected five people to

Congress who were dead, so I suppose nothing should surprise us. Sleepy Joe [President Biden’s nickname because he keeps falling asleep, or falling over] will be 81 next year and the orange one will be 78. Good luck America. You get what you deserve.

The other thing that caught my eye [and the eye of others, I have discovered] was our Foreign Minister Nania Mahuta’s shoes. Is it really appropriate to wear sneakers when you are meeting the US Secretary of State for a press conference?

I think the old saying ‘you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover’ is outweighed in this instance by ‘you should dress for the occasion’. Others have commented to me that she looked like she had popped into the Beehive on the way to the supermarket.

I wonder how many more of you will turn off the news until the election is over and Winston has made his mind up if he will go right about the bend, or left around the bend. We are going on a cruise the week after the election, so thankfully will miss all the bull**** that will follow.

>>>less waste greater place>>>

Your three Wairarapa district councils are working together to create a future where we generate less waste, and better manage any waste we do make. We’re taking a regional look at how we can make a difference, as part of a bigger picture that encompasses the Greater Wellington region and all eight councils in it. We need to minimise the impact of waste on climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification, and the pollution of our spectacular natural environment.

We’re looking for feedback on the Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2023-29 (WMMP for short) – in particular the joint regional Wairarapa Local Action Plan. We are consulting on this draft plan up until 5pm, 1 September 2023. Your feedback will help shape the WMMP before it is agreed by the eight councils across the Wellington Region later this year.

Want to know more?

Come and talk to your Councillors at one of our pop-ups below:

11am-12pm Monday 14 August

Martinborough Public Library 1-2pm Monday 14 August

Featherston Public Library

11am-12pm Tuesday 15 August

Carterton District Library 1-2pm Tuesday 15 August

Greytown Public Library

11am-12pm Monday 21 August

Masterton District Library

Make your submission

We’re keen to hear your thoughts on the plan. Here’s how you can contribute:

y Head to the Less Waste Greater Place website: www.lesswastegreaterplace.co.nz

y Read the Statement of Proposal and the Wairarapa Local Action Plan. You can also read the draft Wellington Region Waste Management and Minimisation Plan 2023-29, and Wellington Region Waste Assessment 2023.

y Complete an online submission, or download a copy of the submission form and:

- drop it off to your local council office or library

- email it to: waiwmmp@mstn.govt.nz

- mail it to Freepost 112477, Masterton District Council, PO Box 444, Masterton 5840.

Head to the website for more information. Links to the website are also on the South Wairarapa, Carterton and Masterton District Council websites.

lesswastegreaterplace.co.nz

Music, craft and company

The Featherston Community Centre is a hotbed of strummed ukuleles, knitting needles, craft demonstrations, guest speakers and warm companionship this winter.

The Wisdom and Wellbeing group meets on Wednesday mornings from 10am and is a socialisation group for mainly older people, who may otherwise feel isolated, don’t drive or find it difficult to take public transport.

Group co-ordinator Pauline Cave and a team of volunteers can offer transport to and from the community centre, where 18-26 people gather to listen to guest speakers, see craft or skill demonstrations and enjoy a wholesome morning tea.

“I suspect none of our members have breakfast on a Wednesday, as the morning tea is so good,” Cave said. “It’s a very friendly group and although there’s no minimum age for members, most of our attendees are retired and over 65 – our oldest member is 99.”

Cave has been coordinating the group for 17 years. Hers was previously a paid position

through Family Works at Presbyterian Support but more recently, the group has raised funds for itself and received grants from Featherston’s Own Charitable Trust.

“Our guest speakers have included quilters, Antarctic adventurers, health professionals and service providers. Sometimes one of our members will start talking about their life and become the guest speaker themselves.”

The ukulele group meets on Wednesday afternoons, playing and singing older-style tunes such as “You Are My Sunshine”.

“We were all beginners when the group started in 2016,” group co-ordinator Diana Donald said.

“We have a core group of 10-12 people between the ages of 65-89. We do regular gigs, including playing for residents at Ultimate Care in Greytown and Carter Court in Carterton.”

The ukulele is a portable instrument – one member arrives on a bicycle with her uke, Donald said.

“It’s not heavy music, everything we play is light and breezy and our members enjoy the companionship

most of all.”

The Friday Knitters group is one of the largest at the centre, with woollen items churned out over a good natter.

The Featherston Community Centre Charitable Trust is community-owned and governed by a volunteer board.

“The centre has a warm whānau atmosphere and people come from all over the Wairarapa to enjoy what’s on offer,” trust manager Joanna Baldwin

said.

speakers, or teachers, run courses and workshops, advocate for the South Wairarapa and partner with businesses and support agencies, she said.

The trust seeks out funding for these services or events, to cover overheads such as rates, maintenance, power, heating, wages and office expenses.

“In 2022, the trust partnered with local business owner, Jen Bhati Property Brokers. Jen is helping bring

“Each year, the trust more support through sponsorship of venue

groups, the trust’s small room fee is still a huge barrier - Jen’s passion for community wellness is helping break this barrier.”

A commercial kitchen, to be used as a community cooking space, is being installed in the Featherston Community Centre building in Wakefield St. The project is supported by the Transpower Community Care Fund, Trust House Foundation and South Wairarapa Rotary.

Rotary.

The Featherston Community Centre attracts many di˜ erent groups. PHOTO/FILE

Live life with purpose

How to live a longer life

The people of Okinawa, Japan, are some of the longest living on Earth. Okinawa is recognised as one of five Blue Zones, areas that are known for the longevity of the people who live there.

When the Yes Theory team visited, their goal was to find out why the island has such a healthy population. To do this, they took part in various activities and interviewed a number of residents.

A key factor that the team found was that the people of Okinawa live by the concept of having a purpose, something to live for. This purpose doesn’t have to be anything grand, it’s simply something that is personal to each individual. It could be to make great coffee for the customers at a cafe, to grow vegetables… anything at all.

The idea of a life purpose can give us a reason to get up in the morning. It will be there through the good times and the bad. If it’s there, then we can do the actions that help us live what our purpose is, helping us to see how we can make a difference towards making the world a better place.

High expectations

Something that we often hear from people who visit

Tim Nelson

different other countries is that doing so gives us a greater appreciation for what we have at home.

This has certainly been the case for me after my recent three months in South East Asia. However, I have just been reflecting on the dangers of this, as it can so easily lead to us having lower expectations around many of the things we have taken for granted.

We are incredibly blessed to live in New Zealand. There are so many great things about our country: the climate; the beautiful environment; our natural resources; our people; the lack of corruption; the relative safety.

However, we need to maintain our high expectations, as opposed to simply being grateful that we are fortunate in so many ways. This comes with a caveat though, if we expect more, we need to do more, contributing where we can to maintain and raise our standards, rather than expecting others to do the work and take action for us.

If we’re truly all in this together, we need to all

play our part in whatever way we can: as workers, as families, as volunteers. If we want a great country, we need to be proactive in making it happen.

A more exciting life I am coming to the end of the fabulous School of Life book A More Exciting Life. The book is full of wisdom that reminds us of how accessible a more exciting life can be if we open our eyes and look at things from a different perspective. A key factor is that a lot of excitement can be had where we are right now, as opposed to needing to travel to Egypt to see the great pyramids [although that would be a very exciting thing to do]. An example of this can be made with an experience I recently had in Bali and experiences I have had closer to home. In Bali, I had the opportunity to climb a volcano in time to see the sunrise; it was truly magical. However, an equally enjoyable experience was climbing Mt Ngauruhoe in the central North Island a few

People with purpose in Okinawa, Japan. PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

years ago, which was just a 4-5 hour drive away. Even closer to home I have climbed to the top of Mt Holdsworth and stayed in the fabulous Powell Hut, an experience that is just a 20 minute drive to the beginning of the walk and costs only a few dollars. Wherever we are, there are experiences that are truly wonderful and will add excitement to our lives. We just need to make sure we put in the time and effort to do and appreciate them.

An information diet

This is an idea that I have shared before. I’ll share it again after hearing author Yuval Noah Harari discuss it on a recent interview, this being having an information diet. The idea is to restrict where we get our information and avoid the 24-hour news cycle. So many of us get into the habit of continuously checking news websites for updates when so little

Continued on page 26

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“We’re contracted to carry out regular house cleaning for Wairarapa veterans,” owner operator Nirav Shastri says. “And we o˜ er great prices, together with ÿ ve or even ten percent discounts for Gold Card holders, depending on the regularity of the clean.”

For regular clients, Vani’s will do other jobs you need doing, too, such as cleaning external walls and windows, or lawn mowing. The team is happy to be your one-stop-shop.

Vani sta˜ are all Ministry of Justice vetted and are hired for their technical skills, their work ethic, and their ability to work with people, “especially older people”. This established business is well-known in the district as far

away as Dannevirke to the North and Martinborough and Featherston in the other direction.

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Nirav also notes: “Some cleaning companies will book you in for next week or next month. We have the sta˜ and, often, can book you in the same day. We want to sort out your problems as soon as we can.”

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Continued from page 24

actually changes each time we look. In my own case, I checked an online site quite late at night and saw an incredibly disturbing story that I wish I hadn’t seen. If I followed my own advice, I’d be only reading selected actual sources, such as magazines and newspapers, rather than the clickbait that sucks us in on ‘news’ sites.

Just as Yuval Noah Harari does, my plan is to have an information diet, with carefully curated sources that share varying perspectives. I’ll avoid the online sites and, I’m sure, I won’t be missing out on anything.

Counting the days I read recently that we live for approximately 26,000 days. When you think about this, it really

doesn’t seem like a huge amount of time. We also have the issue of the likelihood that as we approach the end of these 26,000 days, we won’t be able to do many of the things we take for granted. Although some will live beyond 26,000, there will also be many who fall far short of this amount.

The message here is that we need to make sure that we get the most out of the days we have. This doesn’t mean exotic trips, expensive purchases, and many of the more elaborate things [although it could do], but it does mean doing things that are important to you, that you value, that you enjoy, and that you are doing them at times with people whose company you enjoy.

Doing quick maths, I have just calculated that I now have less than 10,000 days left – I’d better make sure that I make the most of them and live them on my own terms. As Ferris Bueller once said: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

We can all make the world a better place I really like the way that author Yuval Noah Harari is optimistic about the ability that we all have to make the world a better place. In his opinion, there is something that we all have agency or control over. This could be the way in which we react or respond to events, through to how we do our

jobs. In almost every case, there is a way in which we can make a choice and implement actions that will improve the environment around us.

An example of this is given in Siya Kolisi’s biography. Siya, a huge football fan, shared about the Japanese men’s football team at the 2018 World Cup. After leading the favoured Belgium team 2-0 they eventually went on to lose 3-2, with the final goal being scored with the last kick of the match. Despite this, when officials went to the Japanese changing room after the match they found that the team had already cleaned it and left a note thanking organisers for hosting the tournament.

Even in the most disappointing of circumstances, we can take actions that make things better than they

were in some way. The story of what the Japanese players did in that tournament is featured in the biography of one of the world’s most inspirational leaders in sport because of the positive impact it had on him. For the other three matches in the quarter finals, I would be surprised if any of those games had a long and positive impact on others.

This is who you are

When Springboks captain Siya Kolisi started working alongside a mentor who was prepared to speak frankly and honestly to him, Siya was forced to face some home truths. Previously, it had been a case of people saying what they thought Kolisi wanted to hear – they would highlight his great and positive qualities, but brush past and ignore the things that Kolisi knew weren’t right, but he kept doing them.

The new mentor called him out on many habits

that Kolisi had, that he knew weren’t matching the person he wanted people to think he was. The mentor simply said that “what you do is who you are”, whereas others had given Kolisi far more credit than he knew he deserved. This turned out to be a turning point for Siya Kolisi – he wrote a mission statement for himself to live by. Yes, there were times when he fell short of his own expectations, but these became the exception rather than the rule.

Siya Kolisi became the wonderful role model he is today because he started consistently doing the actions that a great role model would do.

• 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.

Mt Ngauruhoe in central North Island. PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Best follow a healthy diet of information SCALE MODEL COLLECTIBLE

Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa/Conservation Week

Conservation Week is an opportunity for you to take action and show your support for nature.

Taking action benefits nature and our personal wellbeing. Ka ora te whenua, ka ora te tangata – when the land is well, the people are well.

Check out the programme of events below.

facebook.com/WellingtonDOC

Wairarapa schools ‘take action for nature’ competition

Enter by 22 August | Ruamahanga Restoration Trust

Win one of five overnight stays for your school at the brand-new environmental education centre at Pūkaha (transport included). Send up to five photos illustrating how your school is taking action for nature to info@rrtrust.org.nz before 5pm, 22 August.

Let’s talk fish

18 August | 5.30pm | Martinborough Community Centre | Free

Experts from Kahu Environmental, Greater Wellington, and NIWA will share insights on inanga spawning, barriers to fish passage, and crayfish populationmodelling. Followed by questions and fish and chips. Register at waiwetlands@gw.govt.nz

Wetland restoration planting days

13 and 20 August | 10am – 1pm | Ruamāhanga Farm, 1415 State Highway 53 | Free

Join the Ruamāhanga Mauri oho and the South Wairarapa Biodiversity Groupfor a morning planting trees No experience necessary, children welcome with adult supervision. RSVP to hello@ruamahanga.org.nz

Jenny Keate: Looking Sideways Exhibition

Ends 27 August | Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History, 12 Bruce Street, Masterton | Free

Jenny Keate explores the relationship between humans and trees – drawing local inspirationfrom the Mauri oho native restoration work along the Ruamāhanga.

My Sub-Antarctic journey: Glenys Robertson

17 August | 7-9pm | Dixon Street Education Centre, Masterton | Koha Forest & Bird Wairarapapresents a photographic evening on the wildlife of Aotearoa’s Sub-Antarctic Islands. A koha of $10 towards the eradication of pigs from the Auckland Islands is appreciated. Supper provided.

Backyard action!

14–20 August | Masterton District Library | Free

Masterton District Library is hosting a ‘Backyard Action’ themed week with lots of information on how our community can do fun, useful things in their own backyards to help us improve our environment and tackle big issues like climate change.

Rangitāne Taiao kōrero

15 August | 10.30-1.30pm Rangitāne Square, Dannevirke | Free Come along and meet the people who have been working in Taiao (Environment) space in Tamaki nui-ā-Rua. Hear about the special places and spaces in our tapere (district)and the mahi they have been doing to restore and protect them

Lifestyle

Training pays for fundraiser

Rebecca King rebecca.king@age.co.nz

There was a bit of blood, a lot of sweat and certainly some tears at F45 Training Masterton [F45] as they hosted the Mahi for Mental Health fundraiser last month.

F45 studios around New Zealand held the event for F45 members, businesses and individuals to complete a goal of 538km on row, bike and ski erg machines – 1km for each New Zealander who lost their life to suicide in 2022.

The considerable effort on the various exercise machines was accompanied by 3500 burpees to raise awareness and funds for the ‘I AM HOPE’ foundation – a mental health and wellbeing charitable organisation.

“Following the monumental physical challenge, participants took on an incredible feat of completing 3500 burpees – one for every Kiwi who attempted suicide. This feat served as a sombre reminder of the depth of the issue and the importance of fostering a compassionate and supportive environment for those struggling with mental health,” F45

Training Masterton owner Cory Haeata said.

Participants knocked the numbers out of the park – collectively covering an impressive 800km in the physical challenge and

4880 burpees.

Haeata said many participants donated directly to the Mahi for Mental Health 2023 GiveA-Little page. Meanwhile, the studio

ABOVE: The exercise machines were going non-stop at F45.

LEFT: Goals were set and reached by many at F45.

PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

raised $735 from cash donations, which F45 intends to round up to $1000 for the I AM HOPE foundation.

“Being part of the special fundraising event Mahi for Mental Health was an incredibly moving and rewarding experience. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and empathy as individuals from diverse backgrounds shared their personal stories and journeys,’ Haeata said.

“These moments not only shed light on the importance of mental health awareness but also inspired everyone present to continue the fight against stigma and offer support to those in need.”

Haeata was blown away by the commitment and dedication displayed by everyone involved, including individuals and local companies from LW& Co, SASSFit, Optimus Fitness, and Innovative Advisory.

Eketāhuna Farm Meats and Eastwood Motor Group also lent a helping hand by providing resources and support to ensure the event ran smoothly.

“The fundraising aspect of the event was equally impressive because the generosity of individuals and organisations poured in to support mental health initiatives. The collective belief in the significance of this cause and the determination to create lasting change was palpable throughout the event,” Haeata said.

“Being part of this special fundraising event left me with a lasting sense of fulfilment, knowing that together, we had made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals battling mental health challenges.”

Rebecca King

rebecca.king@age.co.nz

For 22-year-old Ellie Dowling, entering the farming scene after she left school was a nobrainer. She “always felt like it was the right thing to do”.

Originally from the Kāpiti Coast, in August 2019 Dowling moved to Wairarapa, where she now works on a sheep and beef farm 20 minutes out of Masterton and helps as a relief milker on another farm during the on-season.

Now with some farming experience under her belt, Dowling says the favourite parts of her job are working with her sheepdogs and lambing time.

“I grew up in town, but I would spend most of my school holidays, or whenever I could, at my grandparents’ or with friends on farms,” Dowling said.

“I’ve always been into it, always felt like it was the right thing to do.”

Dowling was a part of the first intake of Growing Future Farmers – a two-

year practical programme that aims to accelerate the careers of school leavers from entry-level Essential Farm Skills through to Advanced Farm Skills and Business Management.

Dowling hopes to one day have her own block of land in Wairarapa but, in the meantime, she wants to keep working on her four sheepdogs.

We’re already seeing indications of how young female farmers are influencing the way New Zealanders will farm in the future in different sectors.

Just over a year ago, [then] Associate Agriculture Minister Meka Whaitiri noted how the government

through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund to enable and empower women working in the dairy sector”.

“This programme aims to create more value, develop new practices and support our extremely capable rural women into the future. It will also ensure diversity in the primary sector leadership of Aotearoa New Zealand, which I welcome,” Whaitiri said.

“These strong social connections and access to tools and support from this programme will help build resilience, both for these women and for

A prime example of this is Emma Poole, who won the FMG Young Farmer of the Year 2023 earlier last month – the first woman to ever be awarded the title in the 55-year history of the competition.

“We are really heartened by the wide range of efforts being made to empower and respect women in primary industries in general.

“There is, of course, always more work to be done. If we concentrate on providing a safe, healthy and welcoming work environment for all, with acknowledgement of the roles that women play in farming and other primary industries, we can’t go far wrong,” Naylor said.

“Women living on farms and in rural areas are not always farmers or food producers. Our rural communities are very diverse, and with online services improving, there are so many entrepreneurial women out there operating a wide range of businesses from home, or small local towns, which all adds to the viability and

diversity of our rural communities.”

Catherine van der Meulen, co-founder of Girls who Grow [GwG] – an organisation encouraging young women to explore careers in agriculture – said 32 per cent of the farming and agriculture industry is women.

GwG’s aim isn’t necessarily to have 50 per cent male and 50 per cent female in the agriculture industry but van der Meulen hopes to have more of a balance of approaches at the table, as she believes it is important, as is diversity.

“With New Zealand’s food and fibre sector accounting for per cent 81 per cent of exports, GwG is providing pathways to enter this vital industry for young women, who are currently underrepresented with only six per cent of school leavers involved,” van der Meulen said.

“GwG wants to help inspire the voices of our future female changemakers, leaders, and environmental guardians.”

Four dogs and a farm plan Rural

Ellie Dowling and her beloved dogs.

PHOTO/REBECCA KING

House prices in a winter chill

Bella Cleary bella.cleary@age.co.nz

Wairarapa house values continue to ride the downward slope of national property prices, but observers believe a period of stability is waiting.

It was at this time last year that the Times-Age reported the first tumble of annual median house prices for a decade.

According to TradeMe’s latest Property Price Index, New Zealand’s average house price has shifted back to where the market was two years ago.

The index suggests a national cooling period, and TradeMe Property sales director Gavin Lloyd said that while prices are still going down, the rate of decline is easing.

“These trends suggest that now is a good time to buy if you have the deposit behind you.”

Lloyd said at a regional level, some

prices have retreated more than the national average, which in June sat at $841,050 or $130,400 less than the March 2022 peak.

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand [REINZ]

June Property Report showed Masterton’s median house price as $550,000, down from $585,000 in the same month last year.

Carterton’s median house price was also at $550,000 but had dropped significantly more from $700,000 a year ago.

South Wairarapa’s median house price had sunk the most, from $870,000 in June last year to $625,000.

Managing director and auctioneer for Harcourts Wairarapa

Prue Hamill said market signs over the past month led her to believe there was a growing stability and confidence.

“We have got buyers, and it’s good to say that first-time buyers are

coming in,” Hamill said.

“We’re seeing a bit more of a mixture, which indicates people are having more confidence in the market, so I’d like to think that’s happening.”

With only a handful of lifestyle property sales in each region over the last month, Hamill said this amount was likely to improve in the coming months.

“We’ve had such wet weather, and people are probably loathe to come to the market right now,” she said.

Although winter often brings around a dip with fewer listings, Hamill said this didn’t mean it was a bad time for listing a property.

“Often you have fewer places on the market and people are waiting for the spring months so their houses look good, but in all fairness we still have enough buyers,” Hamill said.

“I’ve also been working on a few multiple offers, too which is very pleasing.”

Breakfast on Us events are coming to a venue near you! We have partnered with Power Farming Wairarapa who are kindly sponsoring six of these events across the lower East Coast each Wednesday from now for 6 weeks. This is a social event aimed at giving our farmers and their teams the opportunity to get off farm, have a hot drink and a warm feed and catch up with other farmers. We’ll kick off these events at around 10am and run through until midday, just rock on up when you’re ready. Our ÿ rst event is Wednesday 9th August at West Taratahi Hall, on Chester Road. Visit Events – DairyNZ to see when/where the next one in your region is.

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Fetches, 4 Grievances, 9 Blemish, 13 Asia, 14 Gigolo, 15 Locust, 16 Farrier, 19 Colleagues, 20 Antidote, 21 Sieve, 24 Awning, 25 Tomato, 27 Apartheid, 32 Becoming, 33 Skinny, 34 Organza, 38 Eyesight, 39 Prison, 40 Cold, 41 Spell, 42 Twang, 45 Crocodile tears, 52 Clear, 55 Stake, 56 Love, 57 Junior, 58 Distress, 61 Erudite, 62 Circus, 63 Obstacle, 66 Neglected, 68 Lagoon, 69 Ignore, 73 Feign, 74 Mandolin, 76 Pirouettes, 81 Stooped, 82 Silage, 83 Absorb, 84 Cove, 85 Irksome, 86 Assistance, 87 Eminent.

DOWN: 1 Franc, 2 Trifling, 3 Stingy, 4 Grove, 5 Idol, 6 Volcano, 7 Nicety, 8 Eased, 10 Lead, 11 Martini, 12 Swerve, 17 Meandering, 18 Start, 22 Kangaroo, 23 Churn, 24 Ancient, 26 Omit, 28 Panache, 29 Gothic, 30 Fiancé, 31 Azalea, 33 Sushi, 35 Appal, 36 Feta, 37 Slur, 43 Waters, 44 Naked, 46 Riot, 47 Chemise, 48 Deject, 49 Lungs, 50 Thorough, 51 Spiral, 52 Catalogues, 53 Eyes, 54 Reserve, 59 Still, 60 Oslo, 64 Ocean, 65 Porthole, 67 Engross, 68 Lenient, 70 Pewter, 71 Alkali, 72 Source, 75 Dries, 77 Issue, 78 Sweet, 79 Germ, 80 Gain.

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

MOW ME DOWN

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General rubbish removal

Contact Wayne on 021 133 0877 or wayne.crosswell@xtra.co.nz

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Events

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10

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:

7.15-9pm, at Carterton School, Holloway St. Call [022] 373-4299.

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-

7.30pm outside the Masterton Town Hall, rain or shine.

GirlGuidingNZ: Carterton Pippins, 5-7 years, 4.15-5.30pm. Carterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 6-7.30pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB

9.30am-12.30pm.

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

Concern [06] 377-0066.

Masterton Art Club: 10am-2pm, tutored classes available, also print on Fridays, at 12 Victoria St. Call Sue 377-7019 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: 7.308.30pm, 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.

The University of the 3rd AGE [U3A]: South Wairarapa Current Affairs group meet in the Events Hall of the Roseneath Lifecare and Village, Carterton 9.30-11am. Call convener Paul Mallinson [021] 109-4652.

Thursday Morning Bikers: Meet at the fountain at the Queen Elizabeth Park entrance, 9.30am. Contact (06) 216-2187.

Wairarapa Fern and Thistle Pipe Band Weekly practice, Masterton Brass Bandrooms, Park Ave, Masterton. Email fernandthistle21@ gmail.com

Wairarapa Genealogy Branch: Family History Research Rooms, 5 Church St, Masterton, open 1-4pm. 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, NOVEMBER 11

Aratoi: 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: 1.304pm, play cards, Rummikub and Scrabble, Carterton Memorial Club, Broadway.

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.

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.

Greytown Music and Movement: For pre-schoolers, 10am, at St Luke’s Hall, Main St. Contact email admin@ stlukesgreytown.co.nz

Justice of the Peace: Carterton library noon-2pm; Masterton District Court 11am-1pm; Eketahuna Library 1.30-4.30pm.

Kids Song & Story: 9.30-10.30am, for preschool children and their caregivers, Epiphany Church hall, High St, Masterton. Call Anne Owen 377-4505.

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.

Seniornet Wairarapa: Computer/cellphone help, 1-2.30pm, Departmental Buildings, 33 Chapel St, Masterton. Call John [027] 3835654.

Sunset Cinema: Carterton Events Centre, Rangatahi Hub. Doors open 7pm, movie starts 7.30pm. Info at sunsetcinemacarterton.com

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, NOVEMBER 12

2Featherston Heritage Museum: Behind the Featherston Library and Information Centre. Sat and Sun 10am-2pm, other times by arrangement. Call Elsa [021] 263-9403.

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High Street, Carterton, 1pm for 1.30 pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672. Carterton District Historical Society: 150 High St North, Carterton. Open by appointment. Call 379-5564.

Cobblestones Early Settlers Village: Open 10am-4pm seven days. History comes alive with six heritage buildings, carts and carriages, set in two acres of beautiful gardens, bring a picnic to enjoy.

Featherston Weekly

Market:8am-2pm, 33 Fitzherbert St. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595. Justice of the Peace: Service centre available at Masterton Library, 10am-noon.

Lions Book Sale: 9am-1pm, next to Wairarapa Farmers Market, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton, under the grandstand. Martinborough Museum: Open Sat and Sun at No 7 The Square, 10.30am-2.30pm. Donation/koha appreciated.

Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers 378-7109. 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: 10am1pm, 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 Embroiderers Guild: At the Ranfurly Club Rooms, Chapel St, Masterton. Call Billie Sims 378-2949 or Jenny 377-0859 or email Wairarapaembroiderers@gmail.com

Wairarapa Farmers’ Market: 9am1pm, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton, under the grandstand and nearby redwood tree.

Women’s Self Defence: With Dion, 9am, band rotunda, Queen Elizabeth Park. Call [020] 4124-4098.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Carterton Farmers Market: Memorial Square, 9am-12.30pm. Call [027] 663-9011.’ Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm. Masterton Marauders Wargaming Club: At the Masterton Croquet Club, 1-5pm. Call Vince Cholewa [027] 344-1073 or visit http:// mastertonmarauders.blogspot.co.nz

Holdsworth Restoration Trust: Outdoor adventure films from NZ and around the world. A fundraiser for pest control project. Starts 4pm at Regent 3 cinema in Masterton 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: 6.3011.30am, 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 Gordon [027] 414-7433 or [027] 628-5889.

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

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14

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

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

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

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

Carterton Scottish Dance Club: 7.30pm, at Carterton School Hall, Holloway St. No partner required. Call Elaine 377-0322.

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.

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. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 9.30am-12.30pm. Keep Fit!: 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

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

Literacy Aotearoa: Free computing and digital device classes for adults. Call 377-4214. Mah Jong: 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Pat Hamilton [06] 308-9729. Masterton District Brass Band: Rehearsals at 7pm, in the Band Room, Park Ave, Masterton. Call [022] 574-0742.

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, NOVEMBER 15

Al Anon: Do you need support for coping with alcohol problems in your family? Contact [027] 811-0006.

Caregivers Programme: At Hospice

Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, noon-1.30pm. Call Kirsten 399 1050. 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. Open 2-4pm or by appointment. Call Vivienne 379-5564 or email carterton. hist.soc@gmail.com

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

Chair Exercise: Gentle chair exercises, 2-2.45pm, at St John’s Hall, Greytown.

Clareville Badminton Club: Main Stadium at Clareville, 7.30pm -9pm. Call Steve [027] 333-3975.

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

Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call 0800 373 646 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: Beginners, 5-9 years, 5.306.15pm; 10 years+ [including adults] 6.15-7.30pm.

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]

498-7261.

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.

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 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. Seniornet Wairarapa: Computer/ cellphone help 1.30-2.30pm, Departmental Buildings, 33 Chapel St, Masterton. Call John [027] 383-5654.

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

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

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

Wairarapa Genealogy Branch: Family History Research Rooms, 5 Church St, Masterton, open 1-4pm. 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, NOVEMBER 16

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.

GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 5.30-7pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550.

Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595.

Healing Rooms: Confidential prayer for healing or any situation, 2-4pm, at St Matthews Church Hall, Church St, Masterton, 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.

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 Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers 3787109.

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

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 in Masterton. Phone Sue McRae [027] 449-0601 for venue details.

Silver Ukulele Club: 1-3pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Jan [06] 308-8556.

Soulway Cooking and Crafts: 10am-noon, High St, Masterton. Call Nikki Smith 370-1604 [church office]. South Wairarapa Caregivers Programme: At a café in South Wairarapa, 10am. Call Kirsten 399-1050. 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

for the following teams in the 2024 season Premier team Reserve team

Please register your interest, with a brief summary of your coaching/rugby experience, by 17 August to tony@lala co.nz

Public Notices

ERT RE URNE

SER IC ES SSO IA TI

ANN UAL GE NERAL EE NG

To be held on 19th August

In the Dining Room at the Wairarapa Services & Citizens Club, Essex St , Masterton at 10.30am

All Financial Members Welcome

RUR WO MEN EW ZEA

AGM

Sunday 20th August 2023

11am - Martinborough Branch

11.30am - Wairarapa Provincial Executive Fund Lake Ferry Hotel, 2 Lake Ferry Road, South Wairarapa Contact 027 535 8805

ANN UAL GE NERAL EE NG

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE MASTERTON AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL ASSOCIATION IS TO BE HELD IN THE P&P HALL AT THE SOLWAY SHOWGROUNDS, MASTERTON, ON THURSDAY 24th AUGUST 2023, AT 7PM

AGENDA

1 Apologies

2 Obituaries

3 Minutes of 2022 AGM

4 President s Report

5. Election of Officers

6 Financial Report

7 General Business

Refreshments will be served following the meeting Supper will be provided

If you require any furt her information, please contact Solway Showgrounds on 06 378 6247.

Tina Nixon 363 Bluff Rangitumau Rd Masterton Ph 0272 232 789

Public Notices

HUR UNU AN RAE

nnual enera l eeting

27 August 2023 at 1.00pm

Hurunui-o-Rangi Marae

Gladstone Road, Carterton

Agenda:

Mihi, Karakia

Maumahara

Apologies og

Financial Performance Rep ort 2022

Approve Financial Reviewer

Previous AGM Minutes 2022

Trustee Election

General Business

Nomination forms for election of four trustees are available by contacting hormtsecretary@gmail com

Nomination s close 1.00pm 21 st A ugust 2023. If you have General Business items, please email these to hormtsecretary@gmail com before 1.00pm 21st August 2023. Items received after this date will not be discussed at the AGM. Nau Mai

Firewood

FIREWOODSUPPLIES.CO.NZ 06 306 9110

$670, 2m3 $390

SPLIT PINE 4m3 $560, 2m3 $330

MANUKA 2m3 $560

BAGGED KINDLING $15each

COMBO’S °2M3 X 2= 4M 3 ˛

GUM & D/FIR $700 GUM & MAC $700

GUM & S/PINE $640 D/FIR & MAC $690

D/FIR & S/PINE $630 MAC & S/PINE $630

MANUKA & D/FIR $940

Delivery & GST included, Winz Approved

OFFICIAL NOTICE.

CARTERTON DISTRICT COUNCIL

PROPOSAL TO CLOSE ROADS TO ORDINARY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

PURSUANT to the Transport (Vehicular Traf c Road Closure) Regulations

1965, notice is hereby given that the Carterton District Council proposes to close Puketiro Road for the purpose of a Gravel Hill Climb for the period indicated hereunder:

Period of Closure: Sunday 20th August 2022 7.00am – 6.00pm

Roads affected: Puketiro Road

The closed section will be adequately and properly signposted, at the beginning of the closed road, being manned with radio communication to allow the passage of through traf c in an emergency..

Johannes Ferreira

Infrastructure Manager

www.cdc.govt.nz

28 Holloway St, Carterton. info@cdc.govt.nz

Classified

Employment Local Group Assistant Manawatu

Part-time role 8 hours a month

Are you interested in self -advocacy for people with a learning (intellectual) disability?

People First Wairarapa is looking for an assistant to work alongside people with learning disability to: hold monthly meetings in Masterton perform the functions of a committee encourage learning about self -advocacy assist members to represent their peers in community forums promote the local group within the community.

With your assistance, members will be able to: gain self-determination advocate for themselves develop leadership skills get involved in their community be a contributing member of New Zealand society.

For more information and to apply

Contact Elizabeth Bennett, Central Region Coordinator: elizabethbennett@peoplefirst.org.nz

The job description is online at: www.peoplefirst.org.nz under Join us

Applications close: Monday 21st August 2023

Kaikōkiri – Social Worker (40 hours per week)

Whaiora is a kaupapa hauora provider committed to delivering integrated health and social services. We are looking for an experienced and passionate Social Worker to join our team.

Are you passionate about making a noticeable difference to tangata whaiora and their whanau? You will work alongside our community services team to enhance the wellness of tangata and their wh ānau while supporting them to make positive changes and achieve their aspirations and long-term goals.

What Whaiora offer you:

• A confidential recruitment process

• Competitive salary

• Professional development

• Work life balance

Ideal candidate:

• Relevant Social Work degree, registration and current practising certificate with SWRB NZ

• A strong and genuine commitment to strength-based practice

• Demonstrated resilience, problem solving techniques and flexibility

• Practical application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles

• Have strong community links

• Strong PC and Microsoft Office Suite skills with excellent report writing skills

• A full, clean, current driver's licence

Please note that this role will require safety checking through the police vetting system under the Vulnerable Children’s Act 2014.

If this sounds like you, please apply through this link http://www.whaiora.org.nz/vacancies

Applications close Tuesday 15th August 2023

School Bus Drivers

Get on Board with Go Bus Transport and come join our great team in the Wairarapa!

This is an ideal chance to make a change in your life and try something different with a great company. If you are thinking of re-joining the workforce or looking for extra hours this role may well suit you.

We are looking for a Part Time & Casual On-Call School Bus Drivers to cover runs in the Wairarapa area:

• Masterton

• Carterton

• Featherston

• Pahiatua

• Eketāhuna

The role is driving a regular school run. Runs are in the morning and afternoons at normal school start and finish times during school terms.

What you need:

• Enjoy being with young people and have their safety and welfare at heart.

• A responsible and caring approach.

• Class 2 licence and a P endorsement (preferred).

• Or for the right applicant, a clean Full Class 1 (at least 2 years) and we can assist you to obtain your Class 2 and P endorsement.

Our

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5 Hope Street Masterton (behind the Fire Station) Phone 06 378 6113 manager.masterton@guthriebowron.co.nz