Midweek Wed 8th February

THEIR

NEW ZEALAND HOME

Their own local watering hole, assisting with pest control and Catholic priests’ petrol costs, flowers for Solway College teachers, wild house parties, and several dollars contributed to the wartime economy: the US Marines were only in Wairarapa a short time, but “made a heck of an impact”.

This impact is captured in great detail in Our New Zealand Home, a new local history by Wairarapa archivist Mark Pacey, to be launched in Masterton next week.

Our New Zealand Home, published by Pacey’s own label Gosson Publishing, tells the story of the 3rd and 4th Defense Battalions of the

United States Marine Corps [USMC]: Stationed at Solway from February to September 1943, and fondly remembered for “livening up the town that had been darkened by years of war”.

During World War II, the US military was based in the Pacific, fighting against the advancement of Japanese forces –and were sent to New Zealand for short periods for “rest and relaxation”.

Between June 1942 and mid-1944, there were between 15,000 and 45,000 American servicemen in camps in New Zealand, mostly throughout the Kapiti Coast.

When the soldiers of the USMC arrived in Masterton, it didn’t take them long to become a staple of the community:

Continued on P3

ABOVE: Members of the United States Marine Corps spent time in New Zealand between 1942 and 1944. PHOTOS/AUCKLAND LIBRARIES. BELOW: The USMC in training at Parris Island, USA.

MUSEUM OF THE US NAVY

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

Hospice Wairarapa is looking for enthusiastic, Hospicehearted people to join our retail team. There are a variety of roles (both customer-facing and behind the scenes) in our Masterton and Greytown Shops, at our Greytown Bookshop and at our weekly Garage Sale at Renall Street.

If you can spare a few hours on a regular basis and want to make a real difference in your community (while having loads of fun), please contact:

or pick up an application form in store

Americans brought excitement

Well-known for their politeness, charm, willingness to lend a hand, and the occasional youthful hijinks.

And Masterton was not without its own impact. The title of Pacey’s book references a quote from a serviceman named Colonel Forney, which states: “The people of Masterton have cared for our sick, relaxed our battle worn, and generally rehabilitated the Third Defense Battalion... The extent of their hospitality has been of such unbounded capacity that Masterton is not just a billet but is now our New Zealand home.”

Our New Zealand Home is the culmination of three years of work for Pacey, who sourced most of the information from oral history recordings, found on old cassette tapes digitised by the Wairarapa Archive.

Pacey was inspired to start his research after speaking with a company looking to develop some land near the Marines’ camp – and soon discovered a treasure trove of “brilliant local stories”.

“It was common knowledge that the United States Marines had been in Wairarapa, but there hadn’t been a lot of information written down,” Pacey said.

“Back in the 80s, it became more common for people to record their life stories on tape, and these would be passed on to the Archive. The interviewer would ask, ‘Do you remember when the Americans were here?’ And they’d launch into these fantastic stories.

“I started off doing the research for myself, but I

thought, ‘there has got to be a book in this!’

“I think that’s what people will enjoy most about the book – the military history is interesting, but the relatable, funny, human stories are what makes it. And they were so satisfying for me to record.

“It goes to show the importance of recording history.”

The first American servicemen to arrive in Masterton took up station at the Solway Showgrounds – and were in dire need of recuperation after intense fighting at Midway Atoll and Guadalcanal.

“They were absolutely knackered – they didn’t have a lot of food, supplies were running low, and malaria was starting to break out,” Pacey said.

“So, they needed some rest and relaxation.”

Shortly afterwards, servicemen from the 4th Defence Battalion, who had been stationed in Cuba and Vanuatu, arrived – much to the chagrin of their predecessors.

“There was a bit of resentment from the 3rd battalion. As far as they were concerned, the new guys hadn’t seen any real combat, so they’d gotten off easy. Plus, they’d had a head start with dating the local girls, and weren’t keen on the competition!”

To help the soldiers assimilate, they received a publication titled Meet New Zealand – which contained an index of popular local slang terms, such as “corker”, “lollies”, “togs”, “run it up the pole”, and “argue the toss”.

The publication also explained New Zealand’s

ratio of sheep to people: In those days, about 18 to 1.

“Local farmers would ask the Marines to shoot rabbits on their properties. They thought, ‘well, these guys like to shoot and kill stuff, so they can help us out on the farm.’

“But, the Americans weren’t used to seeing sheep in the wild. So the farmers had to remind them: ‘Shoot the little grey things, not the big white things!’”

The community didn’t take long to embrace the Americans, with families inviting them for Sunday roasts – where they got to sample mutton for the first time.

To help them feel welcome, members of the community set up the American Red Cross Services Club on Queen St [where Kathmandu is now], which became a social hub for both US and New Zealand servicemen.

With the Americans’ specific tastes in mind, the cooks established a menu with all the comforts of home, such as grilled cheese sandwiches, doughnuts, and hamburgers.

Social dances were a regular feature – though they were “highly policed”.

“There were all these very stern old women who were in charge of procuring the girls to attend. They had to be a certain type of girl, usually from nice families.

“They were pretty strict – the women weren’t allowed to go outside of the building with their American friends at any time.”

If the Americans wished for romantic encounters in less regimented circumstances, there was no shortage of “entrepreneurial women” to tend to their needs.

“There were definitely a few brothels set up. There was one in Renall St – but we couldn’t narrow it down the exact location!”

Pacey said there was “no real evidence” of the Americans causing trouble in the community – apart from sneakily sending bouquets of flowers to Solway College staff and the police having to confiscate a keg from the odd raucous house party, they were “well-behaved”.

However, the Marines’ presence provided the perfect opportunity for local “sly groggers” to line their pockets, which may have slipped under the authorities’ radar. At the

time, Masterton was a dry borough, with no premises licensed to sell alcohol – so the Americans were only too happy to purchase bottles of “dubious quality” homemade liquor over the Solway camp fence.

Other residents were more above board in their business sense: With families offering to iron the Americans’ uniforms –which had to be “pristine” while worn in public – in exchange for cash.

“There’s not a lot of money in wartime – so the Marines helped add to the local economy. It was a mutually beneficial relationship.”

If the Marines did resort to illegal activities, it was usually for the benefit of others: For example, a group of servicemen stole a barrel of petrol, which they gifted to Catholic priest Monsignor Nicholas Moore in return for rides into town.

“The local priest wasn’t sure if he should be accepting stolen goods –but they convinced him in the end!”

Pacey said the most timeconsuming part of the book was doing the research – including transcribing the taped interviews – and sourcing photos – while the actual writing “only took a few months”.

He said he has received

“great support” from members of the current USMC, especially from retired lieutenant colonel and US military historian Edward T. Nevgloski, who provided the book’s forward.

Pacey is also in the process of marketing Our New Zealand Home to a US audience – so the book uses American spellings and terminology.

Our New Zealand Home will be launched in Masterton on February 17 – 80 years to the day since the USMC arrived in Wairarapa.

Our New Zealand Home will be available at Hedley’s Booksellers and Paper Plus in Masterton from February 18, and can be ordered online at gosson.co.nz.

The menu at the American Red Cross Services Club on Queen St.

Former US Marine Richard White travelled back to Masterton after the war – where he was reunited with local Peter Fantham, who stole his hat back in 1943.

PHOTOS/WAIRARAPA ARCHIVE

Seventy sunny years together

Platinum is a metal that is rare and precious, which also describes Alan and Sally Summers’ 70 years of marriage.

The Masterton couple celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary last week with a low-key celebration.

“We had a marquee in the garden for our 65th anniversary,” Alan said. “So we kept this one small.”

Alan and Sally were married on January 31,1953, at Knox Church in Masterton, after first meeting as students at Wairarapa College. Now in their 90s and still living in their own home, Alan and Sally have plenty of stories from seven decades together – such as one from a motel in Hamilton during their honeymoon.

“Early in the morning, there was a knock at the door. It was the cleaner, who said the hot point in our room was the only

one in the vicinity and she wanted to plug in the vacuum cleaner. She ran the cord right over our bed and out the door to finish her job,” Alan laughed.

The Summers bought their first car, a Morris Minor, when their third child was a baby, and eventually graduated to a Morris Oxford, which carried them to favourite holiday destinations Taupō and Kāpiti.

Alan and Sally contemplated moving to Waikanae but stayed in Masterton – where they said they were “very happy”.

“We made our own fun and had a great time,” Sally said. “We knew all our neighbours and could walk to families’ houses.”

Alan, originally from remote Ngahape, southeast of Masterton, worked for the local power board for 20 years. “I’d be sent out by myself in the van, up hill and down dale fixing faults, sometimes in the dark with a torch tied to my ladder.”

The electricians’ wives

were expected to receive after-hours fault calls at home, when the work phone switched over for the evening. Sally could not leave the house while on this unpaid duty.

Alan later worked for a building company and after retiring, joined a walking group, travelling the country doing timed walks, including

Fresh year in new school block

There was more than just the usual buzz of excitement at the start of the 2023 school year for the pupils of Greytown School.

At the start of Term 1 last Wednesday, pupils and teachers were able to set foot in the school’s new block of five senior classrooms that had replaced the old block –well over a century old.

An opening ceremony for the new building was held the day before: Starting at dawn with a tanga o te kawa, or a tapu removal, performed by South Wairarapa kaumatua Paora and Herewini Ammunson, who have had a long association with the school.

Later in the day, representatives from South Wairarapa District Council and the Ministry of Education, Greytown School staff, and team members from lead builders Holmes Construction attended the official opening.

Former principal Patrice

O’Connor had the honour of cutting the ribbon to open the new block.

“At the heart of all the decisions over the past few years have been our kids,” O’Connor said.

“This is a great building but it’s the magic that goes on inside it that’s important.”

The new senior block had been five years in the planning after it became

apparent the old building was beyond a refit.

The building project was announced in 2020 by then Minister of Education Chris Hipkins after Greytown had been identified as a high-growth area, particularly for families with school-age children.

Building work, led by Greytown company Holmes Construction, started in July 2021 –with various changes and disruptions along the way, including covid-19 challenges and building material hold-ups.

Now completed, the new block has been christened Tahorahina, the name of the original Pa sites situated east of Greytown.

marathons.

For 71 years, Mastertonborn Sally was the well known face at Saunders Shoes, setting up and running the outlet shop in Queen St. “Sally is always stopped in the supermarket by people she knows,” Alan said. “She has a good memory for faces but she also had a wonderful

memory for people’s shoe size.”

Sally now enjoys gardening, knitting, reading, word puzzles and her daily natters with Alan – a habit throughout their marriage, sometimes over a white wine.

“Since Sally stopped work, we’ve become closer than ever,” Alan said.

The pair, who share a

love of pedigree cats, don’t let national politics worry them, saying “what will be, will be”– but still take an interest in local politics.

Relaxing in their sunny conservatory, Sally summed it up: “Alan and I are very lucky to be living here together.” Added Alan: “We can’t stop here forever, but we’ll stop here for as long as we can.”

Current principal Paula Weston said Tahorahina was very much a team effort for Greytown School and the wider community.

“Past and present board members, the past principal, teachers, the ministry and Holmes Construction have all done

a massive job in getting this wonderful learning space to completion,” she said.

Now the old senior block has been demolished, stage two of the construction project can begin – with four new classrooms planned to cater for its

growing roll. Meanwhile, the senior pupils are thrilled with their new classrooms. Year 8 pupil Vita ReidyCooper said: “I think this new building is unique and open compared to the old one, which was really run down.”

The couple received congratulations from King Charles III on achieving their platinum milestone. PHOTO/JULIA MAHONY

Alan and Sally married 70 years ago at Knox Church in Masterton. The wedding dress was made by Sally’s sister. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Tahorahina, the newly-completed senior classroom block at Greytown School. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

Veg vendors stop to see family grow

Helen Holt helen.holt@age.co.nz

The Masterton community is saying goodbye to a beloved resource – as the Car Boot Sale’s popular fruit and veggie stall shuts up shop.

Levin-based vegetable growers Ann and Whelan Sue have sold produce at the Essex St market, organised by Masterton South Rotary, every Sunday since 1999. They have also provided vegetables to several Wairarapa restaurants and cafés.

The couple has now announced their semiretirement from the market circuit – with their last official day at the Car Boot Sale scheduled for February 12.

Ann said they were sad to leave, but it was time for them to “slow down”.

“We’re both well past retirement age. We don’t have time to do anything else. We hardly see the grandchildren because they’re at school during the week, and we’re at the market over the weekend.

“A lot of people said they were sad. We’re sad as well – I loved doing [the market]. We’ve done it so long, we had to slow down some time.”

Ann said market preparation and travel to Wairarapa made for a long workday.

“The hardest part is the preparing and packaging – it takes forever. We’ve woken up at 4 am every Sunday, and don’t get home till about four or five at night.

“It takes two hours to drive to Masterton, and the Pahiatua Track is not the nicest road.

“After doing two markets over the weekend, we’re

exhausted.”

Growing vegetables was a full-time job in itself, she said.

“It’s become quite hard. When you’re young, you can go harder for longer.

“There’s not a lot of young growers. Most of the growers now are the older generation.

“Younger people choose to get trained and work in industries like IT, where they can get days off.”

She anticipated growing produce would “only become harder”.

“Everything is expensive, fertiliser has tripled in price. After the floods in Auckland, it will only get worse.

“Onions ready to be picked have been wiped out. Cauliflower was $4, now it is $7.

“It’ll be tough for the next few months. Fuel is going up, workers are expecting higher wages because living is more expensive, meanwhile running costs are also going up. It’s just a vicious circle.”

Now retired, Ann said she hopes to spend more time with family, including their youngest grandchild

– now 10 months old. She and Whelan will continue to sell at the Paraparaumu Market on Saturday – and have asked fellow market sellers whether they could take on the Masterton posting.

Car Boot Sale organiser John Murray said it would be hard to replace Ann and Whelan.

“The fruit and vegetables stall is what attracts people to the market. It’s hard to find people who will sell all types of produce,” he said.

“If we can’t get another provider, then that will be the end of the market.”

Murray said the pair had been dedicated to the Car Boot Sale over the last 24 years.

“They have been very loyal to us and travel a very long distance.

“They get up early on Sunday to travel, and there’s preparation and packaging the night before. It’s a very long day for them.”

Shoppers gather around Ann and Whelan Sue’s produce stall at the Car Boot Sale on Essex St. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Belly laughing for better health

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

For Gail Roper, the oft-quoted maxim rings true: Laughter is the best medicine.

The Masterton local has started hosting laughter yoga classes at REAP Wairarapa’s Education Centre – dedicated to improving mental and physical health through yogic breathing and childlike play.

And, as the name suggests, no shortage of belly laughs.

To boost her own mental wellbeing, Roper began taking laughter yoga classes in Upper Hutt last year – and eventually trained as a laughter yoga leader to bring the practice to Wairarapa.

Laughter yoga, popularised in India in the 1990s, combines aerobic movement, stretching, pranayama [deep breathing], and “playful activities” designed to stimulate laughter.

The practice is based on research which posits that intentional [or faked] laughter releases the same “feel-good”

hormonal response as natural laughter – with participants encouraged to laugh regardless of external stimuli, such as comedy.

In classes, faked

laughter gives way to organic laughter: Producing various health benefits, from a strengthened core to better quality sleep.

Roper, a former

mental health nurse, said laughter yoga encourages students to tap into their inner child – and be playful “for the sake of it”.

“Which is something adults aren’t encouraged to do,” she said.

“Children laugh about 300-400 times a day –whereas adults only laugh about 10 to 15 times a day. Now we’re grown up, it’s not often that we can have a real belly laugh out in public without someone looking at us strangely.

“Laughter yoga gives you that excuse to just be playful and expressive – and laugh without needing a reason.”

The practice of laughter yoga was founded in 1995 by family physician Dr Madan Kataria, who established outdoor “laughter clubs” in his hometown of Mumbai.

Eventually, the groups ran out of jokes and amusing stories – so, based on research that the body cannot tell the difference between genuine and faked laughter, Dr Kataria encouraged participants to laugh “without reason” for one minute.

Before long, laughter yoga had spread to more

than 50 countries.

Roper said she was inspired to try laughter yoga after watching an interview with actor Robyn Malcolm – who shared that the practice had helped vastly improve her anxiety.

Unable to find laughter yoga groups nearby, Roper attended classes with Hutt-based instructor Clare Ludlam, and began her own leadership training in December.

Late last month, she received her leader’s certification from Laughter Yoga International.

“Having worked in mental health, I know there’s a lot of anxiety out there in Wairarapa – so I knew I had to bring laughter yoga over here.”

Roper said her classes involve high-energy activities, as well as relaxation exercises to help students wind down and “ground themselves”.

“We do things like running around the room, free dancing on the spot, putting on music and jumping around. It’s quite aerobic.

“There’s no telling jokes or humour. Just a lot of playfulness.”

As well helping mental health, thanks to the release of hormones such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, laughter yoga has been correlated with improved immune response, better circulation, and stronger abdominal muscles.

Laughter yoga can also help with pain management by releasing endorphins [the body’s natural painkillers], and also helps release melatonin, responsible for the sleep cycle and circadian rhythm.

Roper said she has had “great feedback” on her classes so far – and her students are already beginning to notice the benefits.

“One said that after class, she’d had the best night’s sleep in a long time.”

• Laughter yoga classes are held every Monday [except public holidays] at 22 Dixon St, Masterton, from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. Classes are $5. If you wish to attend, please contact Gail Roper ahead of time: via email at gailroper62@ gmail.com, or text at 021 144 0721.

Masterton laughter yoga instructor Gail Roper with her certification from Laughter Yoga International.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Save Time and Money With a Beko Auto-Dose Washing Machine

So, What’s Auto-Dose?

Read on to ÿ nd out everything you need to know about Auto-Dose washing machines. Plus ÿ nd out how an Auto-Dose machine could save you time and money. Autodosing is a feature found in certain types of washing machines that allows you to automatically dispense the correct amount of detergent for each load of laundry. Brands such as Miele, Bosch, LG, Fisher & Paykel, Beko, and Samsung o° er models with auto-dosing systems.

Auto-dosing systems eliminate the need to manually estimate the amount of detergent needed for each wash, which can be wasteful and not always good for clothes. Instead, simply ÿ ll the dosing compartment to the top and the machine’s computer control system dispenses the appropriate amount based on the load’s weight, cycle program, and fabric type. The Miele twin-dose machines come equipped with their own 2 step dosing system.

Some washers even adjust for the level of soiling. The beneÿ ts of auto-dosing include using less detergent and water, as well as increased convenience, as you won’t need to manually dose each load of washing.

When you ÿ rst get an auto-dose machine you may need to experiment with di° erent detergents and adjust the amount used to achieve the desired results. Some machines allow for the use of two di° erent detergents, such as one for wool and another for delicates. Manual dosing compartments are also available if you’d like to occasionally use a di° erent detergent.

We suggest buying an Auto-Dose machine for a number of reasons such as:

• If you live in a busy household

• Want to save money on detergent use

• If you struggle manually putting detergent

Beko 9 kg Autodose Washing Machine

 Reÿ ll your detergent every few months. Save time every wash by not needing to manually dose each load. Spend more time doing the things you love.

 99.9% allergen* free with the hygienic power of steam. Remove harmful allergens from your clothes and protect those most important to you.

 Save money on wasted detergent. Let your washer do the hard work and dose each wash perfectly to avoid wasting detergent.

 IronFast Shirts Program. Fewer wrinkles, easy to iron clothes. With less creases after each load, you’ll save hours ironing clothes with the IronFast Shirts program.

washing machine?

in each time, for example those with arthritis.

The biggest beneÿ t we’ve found with AutoDose machines is, if you only have to ÿ ll up the detergent every couple of months, you’ll save time every wash cycle.

If after reading this you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of the team. We’re reachable by phone on 06 3788699 option 1. Or by email at info@newbolds.co.nz. If the lines are busy, please try again.

Creatives invited back

The region can look forward to welcoming two new creatives in the coming months, as two temporarily suspended residencies are revived.

The Wairarapa International Arts Programme was on hiatus for the past three years due to the pandemic but now successful applicants for 2023 are in the process of being chosen, after applications closed on Tuesday.

New Zealand Pacific Studio offers funded residencies in rural Wairarapa: the Te Ao o Te Pūkeko Residency, and the RAK Mason Writer’s Residency.

The organisation’s chair Madeleine Slavick is excited about the opportunities.

“New Zealand Pacific Studio is thrilled to reopen and offer these opportunities for creative people in Aotearoa and abroad,” she said.

“We look forward to welcoming the artists to our community.”

The Te Ao o Te Pūkeko Residency is for April this year and is open to tangata whenua – based in Aotearoa or abroad – to explore their connections with te taiao [natural resources] and reflect on their toi Māori [art].

The initiative is supported by Wairarapa residents Gaye Sutton and Michael Woodcock, who have lived in West Taratahi for about 29 years. The keen environmentalists hope the residency appeals to people exploring their engagement with te taiao.

The RAK Mason Writer’s Residency in May is open to writers in Aotearoa or abroad and honours New Zealand poet RAK Mason, who died in 1971. The sponsors of this programme have asked to remain anonymous but are happy to support the

development of ideas and writing.

Award-winning writer Jenny Powell from Dunedin held the most recent residency in 2020 when she was in the final phases of writing her book about artist Rita Angus, Meeting Rita, which was published in 2021.

Powell said the residency gave her the gift of time and space.

“I am extremely grateful to have received that opportunity,” she said.

“The cultural wealth of Wairarapa enriched my experience, and I was able

to share poetry writing and discussion with a class of secondary school students. Reading at the Yarns in Barns Festival introduced me to new and established poets in a stunning vineyard setting.

“The close variety of landscapes crept into my own imagining of Rita Angus’ seeing and painting.”

“Our volunteer organisation cherishes the support from individuals or groups who sponsor residencies,” Slavick said.

“These can be designed for emerging artists, poets, musicians – let’s kōrero!”

Applications for both residencies closed on Tuesday, and the successful candidates will be announced in due course.

Slavik said there is significant interest in the two opportunities, with applications received from as far away as Hong Kong, Singapore Pakistan, the Netherlands, and New York, as well as from within New Zealand.

Both residencies provide accommodation at Taratahi, project support, local transport, a stipend, and a public event opportunity.

More information is at www.artistresidency.org.nz

READER PHOTOS

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

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

Reader Nikki took this beautiful photo while on an evening walk around Henley Lake, Masterton.

PHOTO/NIKKI KING

Reader Pamela sent in this lovely nature shot, taken at Percy’s Reserve in Masterton. PHOTO/PAMELA FEIERTAG

The cottage in rural Carterton where New Zealand Pacific Studio’s Te Ao o Te Pūkeko Residency will be taking place in April.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

GardenYarn with GardenBarn

Sowing Seeds

Growing your own food from seed is an extremely rewarding experience. It’s satisfying watching the entire process, the food is more nutritious, it deÿ nitely tastes better and is a very economical way to provide your family with food.

TIME IT RIGHT

Choose things that you and your family like to eat

If you’re new to gardening it can be a bit daunting sowing seeds at ÿ rst, but before you know it you’ll see why it is such a popular ’hobby’. It could be a good idea to start o˜ relatively small, perhaps for the ÿ rst season you could sow some of the easier vegetables and buy seedlings for some others. You don’t want to overwhelm yourself while you’re still learning.

Some easy seeds to start with could be Lettuce, Beans, Radishes, Tomatoes, Zucchini, Capsicums, Beetroot, Spinach, Peas & Kale. Make sure you choose things that you and your family like to eat and don’t go overboard with the quantity, keep it manageable so you don’t get put o˜ .

DIRECT SOWING

This is the most common method for root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, radish, beetroot, and swedes, as well as peas, and beans. Other large seeds such as cucurbit family, and sweet corn are also often sown direct in the soil where they are to grow (it’s too early to do these yet). It’s important to sow seeds, and plant seedlings, into well prepared soil. Seeds will ÿ nd it very hard to germinate in soil that is hard and compacted and will rot if the soil is not well drained. They will also thrive from the beginning if the soil is well nourished with compost, garden lime, sheep pellets etc. Ideally those things would be added at least a few weeks before sowing seeds then at seed planting time you could create furrows of about 30mm deep and ÿ ll that with seed raising mix.

Covering

It’s important that you don’t sow seeds, or transfer seedlings, until the weather is right for them. Cool season vegetables such as lettuce, broccoli and peas can be planted directly in the ground in early spring (a cloche can protect from those cooler times) whereas warm season tomatoes, capsicums and cucumbers need heat in the soil so late spring/early summer is preferred. These can be started o˜ in seed trays or punnets and looked after until the weather has improved. You should ÿ nd more information on timing on the back of the seed packet but if not there are lots of good websites that have sowing calendars (make sure you’re checking the correct region). Not all vegetables are planted at the same time and not all take the same time to grow. Some are fast growers (eg radishes & lettuce) while others take much longer (tomatoes & melons). It’s a good idea to stagger planting where possible so you have a prolonged season.

CHOOSING SEED

It’s very important to spend a wee bit extra to get good quality seed, we recommend our ican Chef’s Best. Poor quality seed will be harder to germinate and may not perform as well. You can expect good results every time with our ican seeds.

Seeds have expiry dates so always check the packet and ideally use them up in the same season the packet is opened. If you do have left over seed keep it in a sealed container in a cool dry place.

This mini grow house provides the appropriate climate for germinating seeds & cuttings

SOWING IN TRAYS

You can start seeds in all sorts of containers so long as it’s clean, around 5cm deep and has su˛ cient drainage holes. When raising seed in trays, punnets or pots make sure you use a quality seed mix such as Daltons Premium Seed Mix.

How you sow the seeds depends on what they are, some tiny seeds can be sprinkled on top of the mix, bigger ones will need to be buried (once again, check the seed packet for speciÿ c instructions). They should then be ‘misted’ rather than ‘watered’. The soil needs to stay damp but not wet until germination is complete (usually around 1-3 weeks). Covering with some kind of plastic wrap or cover can help speed up germination. Place them somewhere warm and sunny if the weather is still cool, somewhere shady in the hot summer months.

When you see the ÿ rst signs of green remove the cover to allow air ˝ ow, keep them moist and make sure they have adequate light. If seedlings don’t have enough light they can grow leggy & weak.

HARDEN OFF SEEDLINGS

Seedlings don’t like to go directly from a nice, protected place in your home straight outside into the harsh outside world. About a week before you plan on planting them into the garden take them outside for a few hours each day, exposing them to more sunshine and wind gradually. Spraying them a few days before with a Wally’s Vaporgard will also help them harden up. In the early days a weak dose of liquid fertiliser or seaweed tonic can be applied, the strength can be increased as they grow.

Chef’s Best Dwarf Bean - Supreme

Straight glossy beans set high on the plant for easy picking. The straight very ˝ eshy beans have excellent ˝ avour. Slightly shorter at 12 -14 cm long they are very suited for cooking whole.

The fast maturing high yield is spread over 2-3 weeks from each sowing. Sow from October to February in temperate regions, and October to January in cold regions. High disease resistance. Rich in minerals, vitamins A & C, and dietary ÿ bre.

Tips for Carrot success

 To prevent carrots forking make sure there is not too much fresh compost and no obstructions to the roots such as stones or clumpy soil.

 Carrots are sweeter when they grow when the days are warm and the nights are a bit cooler, so autumn and spring sowing is the best.

 Carrot seeds are tiny so an easier way to sow them is with a Seed Tape.

If you can’t nd the seed you want in our ican range then we also have McGregors, Yates and Mr Fothergill’s all with an interesting & extensive selection.

You can sow seeds into Ji y pellets or pots and then plant them directly into the ground. This helps develop strong, healthy roots; minimises transplant shock; they’re easy for kids to manage; are tidy and they o er superior water retention.

Vaporgard has many uses, not just frost protection. It also reduces moisture loss through the foliage when sprayed on seedlings, resulting in less transplant shock & stress. Another way you can give your seedlings protection is by watering them with a diluted mixture of liquid Seamite tonic.

Lettuce

Sow lettuce somewhere that gets shade during the summer months to prevent it bolting. Our Trendsetter lettuce is early maturing and with lovely crisp green hearts.

Radish & Spinach

Radish & spinach are fast growing crops, sow regularly to have a constant supply

young seedlings to protect from frost or pests is a good idea and can be easily done with cloches or hoops with netting overtop.

Recycling opportunities expand throughout region

Free recycling of soft plastics and batteries is now available Wairarapawide, with Carterton and Masterton District Councils the latest to expand recycling options for residents.

The councils have entered into agreements with Upcycle for the recycling of small household batteries – from devices like television remote controls, torches, or hearing aids.

Components from the batteries will be separated for re-use, recovery, and re-processing.

Soft plastics can also now be dropped off at Carterton and Masterton’s transfer stations and will be collected and baled at Earthcare’s Mixed Recycling Facility in Masterton. They will then be transported to Future Post, a New Zealand company manufacturing fence posts from recycled materials.

A similar trial was launched last year in South Wairarapa.

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark has welcomed the increase in recycling options for the district.

“At home, I normally have one or two of our Carterton District Council [CDC] rubbish bags every three or four months, and it’s usually full of soft plastics.

“With this announcement, I think my household could be down to zero.

“It’s up to all of us. If you want to reduce your waste and reduce your fees at the transfer station, then sort your stuff out.

“Clean them out, take them to the transfer

station and dump them for free. How hard is that?”

Wairarapa Zero Waste coordinator Cody Field also welcomed the expansion of recycling services in Carterton.

“This is great news for the environment, given the damage leaking batteries does to our soil and water.”

A battery bucket is available at the CDC’s recycling station, and stations throughout Wairarapa.

Field said it was important to “take

care” when disposing of batteries.

“There’s a potential risk of fires at our transfer station, so please ensure they are in the battery bucket provided.

“To avoid short circuits, please place some masking tape over the tops of lithium and lead acid batteries.

“There is masking tape available at the recycling point, but please remember to leave some behind for others!”

Field was also keen to

ensure the right kind of clean soft plastics were being recycled.

“Just pop your clean, dry soft plastics into the bins at the transfer station. We will do the rest.

“The end use for soft plastics through the recycling process is exciting. The community has been asking for more recycling opportunities and, as soft plastics are not able to be collected from kerbside collections, this is the next best thing.

“Alternative packaging and reuse systems are becoming more available to consumers. Much of our litter is soft plastic due to the fact it is so lightweight, which allows it to get into our waterways and natural environment, causing irreversible issues for our wildlife.”

The transfer stations do not accept compostable or plant-based plastics, and batteries must not be damaged. Batteries and soft plastics must not be placed in recycling wheelie bins.

• More information is available at wairecycle.nz.

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6 days a week with free home delivery. Call 06 370 0975 or email circulation@age.co.nz

Your locally owned newspaper

Walk This Way Podiatry has a new podiatrist joining the team from Monday 30th January.

KIA ORA AND HELLO.

I'm Jeremy and I was trained in Auckland University of technology (AUT). I'm originally from South Africa and lived in the Wairarapa previously and it is a pleasure to return and serve the community.

To bring my A-game to this community is my aim. I look forward to meeting you all.

Services:

• General Nail / Foot care

• Nail surgery • Verruca / wart dry needling • Diabetes foot care • Orthotic Management /Repairs • special needs Patients, all ages.

Jeremy Mannering BHSc (Podiatrist) La Donna Stancliffe-Deans BSc (Hons) Podiatrist/Owner

and Super Model Minority, and co-editor of the anthology, Out Here. In 2022, he was named New Zealand’s 13th Poet Laureate.

Carterton Mayor Ron Mark and Wairarapa Zero Waste coordinator Cody Field are pleased soft plastic and battery recycling options have been expanded in Carterton. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

LATEST COUNCIL UPDATES

Current Water Restrictions: Sprinklers allowed on alternate days. Odd numbered houses on odd days, even numbered houses on even days. Restrictions are subject to change. Make sure to follow CDC on social media, check out Wairarapa Midweek and other local newspapers and radio, or visit cdc.govt.nz/water for more information.

Soft Plastic and Battery Recycling now available FREE

OF CHARGE AT TRANSFER STATION

Exciting new services are now available at Carterton District Transfer Station with the introduction of a soft plastics and battery recycling trial. Carterton residents can now drop o clean, soft plastics and a range of batteries at the district transfer station for free. Please note - we still cannot accept these in your kerbside recycling bin due to the sorting process and how they are recycled.

Residents and ratepayers have repeatedly told Carterton District Council that recycling batteries and soft plastics were a priority for the District. The Council has responded by entering into agreements with companies that are

LAST CHANCE TO BE A CARTERTON WATER HERO!

Our Water Hero competition closes on 26 February. Be in to win!

We want to hear from Carterton’s water savers. Are you a local water hero? Do you have innovative ways to save or reuse water or tips to share with the community? Enter Now. Send us your water saving advice.

Take a photo or a short video, or share it with us online! Use the hashtag #cartertonwaterhero.

able to recycle them.

Upcycle will handle the management of recycling batteries. A battery bucket is available at our recycling station, and stations throughout Wairarapa, for small household batteries from devices like TV remote controls, torches, or hearing aids. Components from the batteries will be separated for re-use, recovery, and re-processing.

Soft plastics will be collected and baled at Earthcare’s Materials Recovery Facility in Masterton before being transported to Future Post, a Kiwi fence post manufacturer.

HE PITOPITO K˜RERO

° RA SMITH

You can win great water-saving prizes.

Email us at comms@cdc.govt.nz or contact or comment us through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook Messenger. Visit cdc.govt.nz/water-hero for terms and conditions and more information.

ROAD REPAIRS AFTER CYCLONE HALE

Kaiwhata Rd open to 4×4 only, Glenburn & Te Wharau Roads open

Following work to make repairs after Cyclone Hale, Kaiwhata Road is currently open but suitable for 4×4 vehicles only. Contractors are currently working on clearing the minor slips. Work continues on clearing silt, adding maintenance metal, and reinstating the damaged culvert, and water tables. Glenburn Road is open and

suitable for all vehicles. A 30 kmp/h advisory speed was installed from Arawhata Hill to the Cameron Road intersection. Contractors are still working on Glenburn Road this week to clear slips.

Te Wharau Road is open and suitable for all vehicles. Please be aware of warning signs, and follow their guidance.

Hururua or Overgrown bush

When a place has overgrown bushes, people with glasses that are half empty might concentrate on not taming plants. Another view might look at the conditions that produces strong growth. Hururua Road in the Carterton District might be a place valued for overgrown bushes. Kua hururuatia te ara means the path has become overgrown with bushes.

Mayor Hon. Ron Mark, an avid recycler himself, excited to celebrate the launch of this new service with the Wairarapa Councils' Zero Waste Advisor, Cody Field.

Opinion

Left ÿ eld courage

I’ll begin by extending aroha to Campbell Johnstone – who, last week, revealed his identity as New Zealand’s first openly gay All Black.

Johnstone, who played for our international side back in 2005, shared his story with Seven Sharp’s Hilary Barry last Monday night. The former Crusaders prop hoped sharing his authentic self with the world would “take away the pressure and the stigma ... and actually help other people”.

Our readers know I’m no sports connoisseur. But to see a New Zealand rugby player living his truth, after years of concealing it, felt extremely poignant. And the rugby community clearly felt the same – with Johnstone receiving a barrage of support.

The reaction from the general public has been interesting. Amongst the encouraging Facebook comments, a portion of “traditional” New Zealand is obviously sceptical.

“Why is this newsworthy?”

“Is his private life any of our business?” “Good on

Young(ish), scrappy & hungry

Erin Kavanagh-Hall

him – but don’t shove the gay thing down our throats.”

[Hilarious. A gay former All Black? Keep it in your bedroom, mate. Entire magazine spreads dedicated to Dan Carter’s wedding? Fair game. Make it make sense.]

Is Johnstone’s story newsworthy? It shouldn’t be. But for now, it’s pretty momentous – so let’s talk about it.

Firstly, for much of Aotearoa, rugby has been the pinnacle of hypermasculinity. The All Blacks exemplified all the ideals: Dominant, stoic, brutal when necessary. True grit. Gay men, often stereotyped as feminine [thus lesser], have been excluded from that narrative.

Johnstone said it himself: “My dream was to be an All Black. Manly, strong, possibly had a wife and kids.”

Eighteen years since Johnstone left the team, attitudes have a ways to go. A 2020 study by Monash University found homophobic language was rife within New Zealand sports teams – to the point where 88 per cent of young sportspeople felt able to come out to their teammates.

Therefore, as Stuff sports reporter Paul Cully pointed out, Johnstone’s story is hugely significant – as it disrupts the outdated images of sexuality which still persist in sports codes.

“[Anti-gay slurs] often link homosexuality with weakness or deficiency. Now there is an All Blacks prop who has smashed the stereotypes underpinning that language.

“Johnstone’s coming out further adds to the narrative that rugby is for everyone.”

On that note,

Johnstone’s story is crucial for young LGBTQ+ sportspeople. Rangatahi of all communities deserve to see themselves represented, including in sport.

As Andrew Rusbatch of the Christchurch Heroes Sports Trust told 1News, young queer men need role models from all sectors of society. There is more to gay culture than “glitter and hotpants”. Gay men are involved in highperformance sports – and, for young people struggling to find their place, their visibility matters. We know sports stars can influence positive change.

Rugby greats, from John Kirwan to Ardie Savea, have spoken candidly about mental health. Paraathletes have championed the inclusion of disabled New Zealanders. The Black Ferns have elevated the profile of women’s sport

around the world.

And now we can see New Zealand rugby throwing its support behind the Rainbow community. We see sportspeople having tough conversations: how can we shift old perceptions of masculinity and sexuality? We see Johnstone sharing his journey with the current Crusaders side – and them listening with admiration.

Considering where we were … that’s powerful.

To quote fellow gay rugby player Dean Knight, “one day, no one will bat an eyelid when an All Black embraces his boyfriend to celebrate a hard-fought victory.” For now, we can celebrate sport in Aotearoa accepting differences, dismantling stereotypes, and welcoming marginalised communities.

I’d say that’s newsworthy – wouldn’t you?

The most delicious type of cheese is...

Joe Stewart

Goat’s cheese.

Jenny Pocock Blue.

Jean Cretney Parmesan.

Nicky Longhurst

Any sharp cheddar that’s so full of flavour it’d just about melt the enamel off your teeth if you weren’t used to it!

Pip Clement

Todd Wilton Provolone – which is hard to find here. I go out of my way to find it when overseas.

Loretta Gadsby Feta.

Kaydee Michelle Castello cheeses.

Joanne Waitoa Truffle brie.

Nikki King Kikorangi. Or one I haven’t

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.

Find

The A1 team care about the future of those trying to get onto the property ladder and have gathered the experts just for you; to help you understand the process of building, the advantages of opting for a new build and how to access the funds in this market.

MIDWEEK PHOTOS

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

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

CUTIES OF THE WEEK

Rachael Burt, from Featherston, supplied this adorable photo of grandson Osius, aged 2 – looking very comfortable under all the Christmas wrapping!

fAs well as the wrapping paper, Rachael said Osius’ absolute favourite Christmas gift was a toy truck “that had a car go in the back”. She said her grandson has “a gorgeous personality”, enjoys kicking a ball around, and loves playing with all his cars and trucks. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Property market insights

Whether you’re interested as a first home buyer, as an investment or retiree - this event is for you! With the right information you have the potential to secure that property or save you thousands on your property portfolio.

The journey of home ownership should be an enjoyable one, this is why Jeanette and Paul Southey, owners of A1homes, have made it their mission to find out how to make the process as stress free as possible. They truly believe information is the key which is why they have decided to gather experts in their relevant fields to join them and explain; what the market is doing, where there are opportunities in the market (if you know where to look), how to financially structure your investment and how to successfully access funds. They will also use examples where they have personally mentored people into creating financial freedom through property.

Join us on Thursday 16that 6pm at the A1homes Showhome in Greytown. Please reserve your spot as we have limited numbers. If you have thought over the break what is my next step financially, to help myself or family members into a new home, then this is the evening for you. We promise you will go away inspired, and well-informed into making the next step.

Contact: Paul Southey 027 230 5067 | paul.southey@a1homesgtn.co.nz | A1homes.co.nz

Thursday 16th February, 6-8pm

A1homes Showhome, 47 Main Street, Greytown

Masterton local Liz Mills sent in this gorgeous shot of grandsons Ollie [5 months] and Noah Kirkland [4], all dressed up in their Christmas finery. Mum Hannah Kirkland says her boys get on famously for the most part, and enjoy cuddling and playing together – which often involves roaring at each other.

PHOTO/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

Aratoi’s foyer draped in pink

Last year we asked you what you wanted to see improve at Aratoi and your submissions were almost unanimous – see more of the collection on show.

The Aratoi foyer has been a great place to show off these pieces that normally stay hidden away in the storerooms. This week you will find a selection of works from our collection to acknowledge World Cancer Day on February 4.

ExtraWith estimates that two out of three people will develop cancer over their lifetime, this exhibition uses the ‘pink ribbon’ symbol and colour as its inspiration. Each piece of art was specially chosen with this title in mind.

Jan Eagle with her painting ‘No to Botox’ is one of her most recognisable paintings. With a face of thick painted lines and creases, the artist reminds us that it’s okay to look the age you are.

Eagle died in 2018 after a battle with cancer, aged 82. She is remembered as a determined artist and a mover and shaker in the Wairarapa community. She was an established Wairarapa artist, having painted for as long as she could remember.

Both Richard Reddaway and Kate Small use the colour pink unusually; to represent ageing and the inside of a doctor’s surgery. Pink is often seen as a nurturing, playful, and nostalgic colour that

Pizza is next slice of life for the Marquis

Helen Holt helen.holt@age.co.nz

The spruced-up Marquis Hotel is about to become Chapelli’s, Carterton’s newest pizzeria and bar.

Operator Steve Chapman has run various pizzerias during his career, including Kelburn’s award-winning Red Tomato, and Chapelli’s branches in Featherston and Lower Hutt.

“I kept driving past the building and seeing the ‘for lease’ sign, so I decided to take it over,” Chapman said.

“I like the heritage of the building. It has some interesting history. People say the late queen [Elizabeth II] stood on the balcony when she came to Wairarapa.”

Chapman said the restaurant would open in a month’s time, and

admitted being “a bit nervous, but excited”.

The building has been empty for seven months to be earthquake strengthened and renovated.

Chapman said the inside was now in good shape but cleaning the hotel’s exterior – which had seen better days – still topped the to-do list.

The original hotel was built in 1876 by Thomas Hooker, who previously owned the Belvedere Sawmill, and was subsequently taken over by Henry Callaher, a canny businessman who made a lot of money.

In January 1924, the hotel burnt down but was rebuilt in six months.

Wairarapa historian Gareth Winter said the venue was incredibly popular in its heyday.

“It was described as the

takes people back to their childhoods.

Gwen Knight’s still life remind us of a vase of flowers, a traditional symbol of care and comfort when a loved one is unwell.

If you look closely,

these works are all interconnected. Colours, shapes and feelings. We have all been touched by cancer, whether though a family member, ourselves or a friend. We can explore these difficult feelings and experiences

through art and know that we aren’t alone.

What would you like to see on the foyer wall next?

Showing in the Aratoi Foyer January 18 to February 12.

best hotel in New Zealand.

“Hotels were very important in those days because there were no motels. If you ever needed to stay in Carterton, this

HOT CARS KILL

With summer here, parked cars can reach temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius in just 10 minutes, even with windows slightly down.

Dogs will quickly begin to suffer and can easily die.

If you see a dog suffering in a hot car, and can’t find the owner:

y Call the SPCA on 0800 SPCA NZ (0800 467 732), or

y Call the Police

For more information, visit: www.mpi.govt.nz/animalregs

WWW.MSTN.GOVT.NZ @MastertonDC

would’ve been where.”

The hotel’s popularity peaked between 1908 and 1947, when Masterton was a dry borough, Winter said.

“The liquor ban didn’t apply in Carterton, so even though it was a small town, much of the drinking took place there.”

Richard Reddaway, Ageing [after Maria Lassnig], 2017, enamel paint on epoxy resin and fibreglass, audio components, Gift of the Artist.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Businessman Steve Chapman is opening Chapelli’s pizza restaurant in the Marquis Hotel building.

PHOTO/HELEN HOLT

Adjustable bed bases have become quite popular recently and although previously associated with hospitals, modern adjustable beds blend seamlessly in home decor and can be helpful for a wide range of people. Whether you’re considering an adjustable bed to assist in health care or as a lifestyle choice an adjustable sleeping position can make a positive difference to many areas of your health and comfort.

Political waffle iron heating up

Graeme Burnard Comment – Pick ‘n Mix

Oh goodie, goodie, it’s election year. Let the waffle begin.

I really enjoy election night, watching the results coming in, particularly when there is no clear result for a while and it’s becoming a bit of a cliffhanger. Then the waiting and waiting and waiting for Winnie to decide which camp he will pitch his tent in. It’s ludicrous really, that someone with such a small percentage of the votes can determine who the next Government is going to be.

In an interview asking what NZ First had achieved in Parliament, Mr Peters exclaimed that they had “opposed woke pixie dust”. And that, dear reader, is probably why they lost every seat at the last election.

Now we are told it could be ACT or the Māori Party who could hold the balance of power at this year’s election. Let’s not let that happen folks, please.

Remember Māori Party co-leader Rawiri Waititi, disrespecting Parliament when he refused to wear a tie because “it was a symbol

of colonisation” but he always wears a cowboy hat. And we all know what the Cowboys did to the American Indians. Imagine what he will be asking for around the negotiating table.

One thing that intrigues me about politics is that as soon as someone enters Parliament, we stop trusting them. They could be perfectly nice people but the moment they put MP besides their name, we don’t believe a word they say. Maybe, it’s because for some strange reason, they lose the ability to give a simple yes or no answer. Instead, we get some long-winded waffle that by the end of it, we are none the wiser.

Getting a straight answer from our MP about the new speed limits on State Highway 2 is a classic example. Even when he was asked to clarify his position after giving

conflicting answers, his clarification was confusing. He lost me when he said we need to have safe driving conditions near our schools and marae, neither of which are in the affected areas. And, according to him, the New Zealand Transport Agency [Waka

Kotahi]has more power than the government. That’s a worry. One of the worst MPs I have ever seen was Alamein Kopu who was in Parliament from 1996 to 1999. She entered Parliament as an Alliance MP. She

translate but she explained that, in essence, it meant respect for women. Because this was a new registered political party, she was entitled to an extra $80,000 in funding. This did not go down well. This new party only contested two elections. The 1998 Taranaki-King

Kopu’s behaviour had a good outcome. I have no idea who I am going to vote for this year. I won’t listen to all the promises and the exciting new policy on offer and all the waffle. I will just look them in the eye and see which one I mis-trust the least.

Lifestyle

Take a leaf from Judy’s book of doggedness

Judy Murray, the mother of tennis greats Andy and Jamie Murray, shared some great advice when interviewed on Radio New Zealand. Speaking about raising two sons to be top tennis players in Scotland, where the weather isn’t conducive to tennis and there were no indoor courts where the family lived, she made the point that it’s not about what you have, rather, it’s about what you do with what you have.

Not having the resources that would have been available to so many other aspiring tennis players, Murray had to be innovative in ways that others wouldn’t even have considered. This shows great things can be achieved in less than ideal circumstances provided the will and desire is there. It certainly won’t be easy, but the success of the Murray brothers proves it is possible.

Helping people

Last night I saw the film

A Man Called Otto. The film was wonderful. I was half-heartedly looking forward to it, but ended up enjoying it immensely. The story was about a man who was essentially on his own after his wife had passed away. He was always grumpy and didn’t like anyone who crossed his path, even those who were genuinely kind and wanted to help. Otto considered pretty much everyone to be an idiot.

Without giving too much of the plot away, Otto’s

Tim Nelson Midweek Musings

life starts to change when a new family moves in across the road. Through a series of circumstances, Otto finds himself having to help and support others. Initially he does this reluctantly, but eventually it becomes a choice. Through this, long damaged relationships are healed and Otto becomes a much happier and content person.

The message of A Man Called Otto is a lovely one. I see it being that if we aren’t feeling good ourselves, whatever life may have thrown at us, one way to move forward is to start helping others.

As unlikely as it may seem, there’s a high chance there will be people around who are in a worse position than you and could greatly benefit from your support. The things you do could be as simple as just saying ‘hello’ to a person who is lonely, to doing the shopping for someone who lacks mobility. Everything counts, and every action will give you a greater purpose and sense of selfworth.

The way of fads

This afternoon I saw a critique of minimalism, with it now, according to the presentation I saw, being considered a fad that peaked around 2015.

I remember when I first read about the practice, it was in an article in The Listener magazine, probably around 10 years ago. Reading that article I was pretty intrigued, as we did then, as we still do now, have a culture of continuous buying, replacing and throwing away. Perhaps one of the problems with minimalism was the way that many took it to extremes, doing things like throwing away and getting rid of everything in a bid to seemingly win the competition to have the least. This meant throwing away things like old letters, children’s artworks … things that, even though they might not be essential, they will definitely bring joy and happy memories when they are looked at in the years to come; certainly more so than looking at a digital photo of the same thing on a smartphone camera reel.

Rather than completely giving up on an idea like minimalism, we should instead not take them to extremes, choosing the best ideas from the concept. Fundamentally fads do come about for a valid reason that did need to be addressed.

Minimalism is certainly an example of this.

Being bored

Being bored is what leads to us stopping doing many of the things that are good for us, or lead us to jumping from habit to habit, always moving to something new as the initial novelty wares off There might be a new workout we read about in a magazine that looks interesting and we try this until the next time another workout catches our attention, or we get bored learning one language and decide to try another [these are two that impact upon me].

In the book Atomic Habits author James Clear shares how a weightlifting coach tells him what the secret to success is in his sport, with the answer being the ability to cope with boredom. There will be times in which the same routine and workout is done time and again, with just very small variations. There’s no changing things up every day; the results will come with consistency. The thing is, if we are able to break through that plateau of boredom the results will be there on the other side. However, too many times we get to that point and change to the next thing we decide might lead us to where we want to be. However, if we can stick to what has been proven to work the effort will pay off the boredom will fade, and the results will come.

Di’s iPhone 5 I was in Trade Aid earlier this week when I met Di, who was working her last day there. I was there to buy a wallet that could hold coins [I’m trying to use more cash and less cards]. Di helped me look, and showed me one that could also hold a phone. She asked what sort of phone I have, an iPhone 12 about 2½ years old, which may seem very old to a lot of people. Di told me she had one similar and brought it over to show me – it was an iPhone 5, which

was released 10 years ago! The thing is, Di’s phone still does everything she needs it to. This is despite not being able to update the operating system. We

are constantly bombarded with advertisements telling us we need to update our devices to make the most of the latest technology. However, if we’re honest

with ourselves we can easily get by with having an older model and using the not so latest software. I’ll definitely be hanging on to my current model

and won’t be upgrading until the thing literally doesn’t work anymore. Not only will it save me money, it’ll also be doing that tiny

bit to save the planet by using less resources.

Don’t outsource your intelligence

I just used the OpenAI Chat GPT tool. Using it I was able to create a 300word post on ‘the benefits of exercise’ that I could have used as part of my weekly newspaper column.

Reading the Chat GPT creation, I’m quite certain I could use the programme everyday for posts and no one reading my column would know, with the exception of one person … me.

I find the concept of OpenAI quite frightening. Becoming over-reliant on such a programme is a way of essentially outsourcing our intelligence.

Everything I write is based on my experiences and the content I learn from various places.

It takes time to learn about what I share here, but as I acquire new knowledge I increase my capacity to know and learn more, whereas, simply entering a command into an AI programme to create content that has nothing to do with my own intelligence might generate content, but my motivation to share will no longer be there and my posts will stop happening.

Don’t become over reliant on AI, instead become a fountain of knowledge, with what we know stored in the most fabulous computers of all

… our own brains.

Tracking progress

At the beginning of the year, rather than setting New Year goals, I instead set myself six habits I would try to do daily. Most of them I had already been doing in some form, but the added idea of monitoring them was more about ensuring I consistently stick to the habits. To do this I set up a habit tracker to monitor the following six areas:

• Meditation

• Reading positive and useful content

• Language learning

• Writing • Exercise

• Diet If I consistently do these six things each day, then each day will mean I am being the person I want to be. Monitoring each habit shows me where I’m slipping up and where I need to be better. It’s also incredibly satisfying seeing a row of crosses for each time a habit is done, while a coloured-in square stands out for when a habit isn’t done.

• 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.

Judy, Andy and Jamie Murray during the Set4Sport launch in 2011 in London, England. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

The International Space Station will make a particularly bright appearance on February 13. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

February skies show off stars

What better way to start the year than read that the Wairarapa Dark Sky Association has managed to secure Dark Sky Reserve status by the International Dark Sky Association. Well done all who have worked to make it possible. We are so lucky, as half the world’s population live in such light pollution that they never get to see the stars.

And what a month February is for seeing the best of the stars, with the brightest of

them arrayed from north to south across the top of the sky.

Around mid-month look at least an hour after sunset. Orion dominates the northern sky, and overhead are the two brightest stars in the sky, Sirius and Canopus.

The stars are brilliant, but we’ve lost the planetary show we had before the end of 2022. Jupiter and Venus set just after sunset and just Mars is left in the late evening sky. Even he has lost his

end of 2022 brilliance. Mars is currently vying for colour with the red star Aldebaran in Taurus. They are above the northern horizon, with Mars closest to the horizon. On 28th, the crescent moon comes to join Mars, then more in the northwest. February 13, we get a particularly bright appearance of the International Space Station. At its brightest it will easily outshine any of the stars. It will seem to come out of the

northwest at around 9.26pm and hit right overhead almost on the half-hour.

It then spends another few minutes heading for the southeast horizon before disappearing into the Earth’s shadow after 9.33pm. This is nearly an eight-minute show and not to be missed. Later in the month, the twin stars Castor and Pollux sit plonk above the northern horizon, and back towards the northeast,

Leo has made its appearance to remind us that not a lot of high summer is left.

If you are wondering why I am not describing how to see comet C2022 E3 that everyone seems to have become excited about, the reason is that on this occasion we are on the wrong end of the world. It has become visible from the southern hemisphere but only with optical help. It has been moving away from us and was only visible to the unaided

eye briefly and only from the northern hemisphere.

C2022 is interesting though, as evidently astronomers can tell from the comet’s orbital characteristics that it last paid a visit 50,000 years ago. That means you must be around another 50,000 years to get the next chance to see it. But no worries, I am sure a more spectacular comet will grace our skies long before that. I’ll keep you informed.

Nick Sault Sky Watch

In September 1943 the Marines started to make plans to leave Masterton and head back overseas. This led to a bit of a problem for the Americans. They had spent the past seven months spending their money at the local shops and had bought all kinds of gear which they couldn’t take with them. For those who had made friends with Masterton families, it was easy. They would simply give their extra stuff to them. Everything from dinnerware to motorbikes

and horses was given away. But for those who didn’t have those connections, there was only one place you could get rid of that much gear quickly. The Masterton rubbish dump.

The tip became a hive of activity, with Marines arriving to dispose of their gear and locals clambering through it, saving all the bits they could and taking their treasures home with them. In a time of war where money was short and rationing was in full force, it was a bonanza for the treasure seekers. It wasn’t just tents and temporary structures that were built for the Americans when they were camped here. There were two halls built specifically for the Marines, one at the Solway Showgrounds and one at Cameron Soldier Memorial Park. The Memorial Park hall wasn’t finished at the time the Marines were leaving, but the one at Solway was used by the men camped there. After the Marines left, the two sites still looked

very much like army camps and were required to be put back to how they were before the war. All the smaller installations were dismantled and removed, but the two halls were too good to be demolished.

The hall at Memorial Park was bought for use at the new St Joseph’s College, a move headed by Monsignor Moore who was keen to set up a Christian boys’ college. The hall was moved and became a feature of the new school and later at Chanel College which was on the same site. Tragedy struck in 1987 when a fire that was thought to be deliberately lit, destroyed the hall. The second hall at Solway was seen as a great asset to the showgrounds, and it was bought by the A&P association, which

wanted to keep it on site and use it at events. It remains there to this day, now known as the Trade Hall and is one of the few buildings built by the US Marine Corps that is still standing; most of the others built around

the country have been demolished. It seemed at the time that this would be the last reminder of the Marines being in Masterton, aside of course from the families descended from the Marines that came back

after the war. That all changed in 1992 when there was a nationwide effort to commemorate the 50 years since the Marines first arrived in New Zealand. In Memorial Park, a plaque was unveiled recognising the site as one of the places the Americans had camped.

Nearly three decades would pass before another memorial of sorts would be revealed to our American visitors. When the Barracks housing area was being developed, it was decided to name the street Marine Corps Drive. On the site where houses now sit, there were 70 large tents and a vehicle depot. The name ensures the wartime tenants will never be forgotten.

Trade Hall in Solway Showgrounds. PHOTO/MARK PACEY

They were the life of the town, but left empty spaces when they departed.

MARK

PACEY of the Wairarapa Archive looks back at when Wairarapa was home to the US Marine Corps.

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

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

Ahi Music Music Lessons

with a 4 year music degree Suitable for all ages $35 for a 1/2 hr lesson Ahi Music

For more information contact Aidie on 027 721 3401 ahimusiclessons@hotmail.com @littleahi

Falling prices: The elephant in the room

With an election on the horizon, the red meat sector has issued a series of requests it wants the country’s politicians to address in the upcoming election campaign.

The call comes as farmers have taken a hit in the price they receive for their sheep and beef meat, and Rabobank expects a further drop this year.

One of the key requests from the sector, proposed by Beef and Lamb and the Meat Industry Association, was for the Government to resolve non-tariff barriers to trade, and revise trade policy strategy, ensuring they remain fit for purpose.

It also wants the Government to consider creative pathways for deeper trade relationships.

Rabobank’s global animal protein outlook said high input costs were also expected to remain prevalent next year, potentially causing

margin pressure for some businesses.

“The industry will face high costs along the full supply chain, swings in consumption, and other areas of uncertainty for producers, such as elevated disease pressure and regulatory and market-driven changes,” it said.

Rabobank said the overall trend for 2023 is for production growth to slow further, with “small gains” in some regions of the world, but a reduction in most others.

It said Australia’s beef and sheepmeat production is expected to expand on the back of herd and flock dynamics.

“In New Zealand, however, beef and sheepmeat production is expected to decline [because of] market pressure.”

In December last year, Beef and Lamb’s economic service estimated the number of lambs docked in spring 2022 decreased by

2.6 per cent, or 588,000, on the previous spring, which reached 22 million head.

“The number of lambs processed in the 2022 to 23 season is forecast to decrease 1.6 per cent to 17.5 million head, while the average carcass weight may be slightly up in 2021 to 2022.”

It said a small decline in breeding ewe numbers, down 1.4 per cent, 22 million lambs tailed in spring 2022 compared with an average of 23.9 million head over the previous 10 years. Prices for New Zealand beef and sheep meat are expected to soften further this year as people tighten their spending, Rabobank said.

Wairarapa Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Mike Butterick said while animal-protein prices had fallen across the world, food production was also down about 10 per cent globally.

“It’s interesting

because when you put that in context, the world population just cracked over eight billion as well. We know food production has to increase by about 60 per cent by 2050.”

Butterick said farmers needed to make more than they spent, but it hadn’t been happening for all.

“It should be getting to the front of people’s minds now,” he said.

He said there were other food shortages outside of the meat sector – and

there would be either a reduction in food supply or food would need to be imported if trends continued.

Importing food to New Zealand is expensive, and the cost will fall on the consumer, he said.

Butterick said the producer and the consumer “wore” the price of inflation and rising production costs.

He said, however, that while everyone else’s costs had skyrocketed, so would

have supermarkets.

“Their overall cost structure would have increased quite significantly as well, and supermarkets aren’t any good to us if they’re broke.”

It was about finding a balance between paying food producers enough to maintain their businesses, maintaining enough profit to maintain supermarkets, and having an affordable on-shelf price point.

A copy of the meat

Report for Week Ending 3˜February 2023

Sheep

Rams 1@100

Wethers 1@102, 3@130

Ewes 2@127, 5@80, 3@113, 4@110

Lambs 7@101, 5@94, 6@96, 2@77, 3@80, 3@122, 8@126, 19@107, 17@95, 10@120, 10@118,

Pigs

sector’s election manifesto has been sent to every politician and relevant officials.

The “manifesto” set out a comprehensive “package” of proposed policy changes, aimed at growing export revenues and increasing jobs. To succeed in the complex trading environment and weather the storm of rising protectionism, volatility and geo-political tension, our sector needs secure

access to a multiplicity of existing and future markets.

Beef and Lamb chair Andrew Morrison said farmers are “absolutely willing” to play their part in improving the environment, but the Government has tried to do too much too quickly.

“Because of the scale and pace of change, we’ve ended up with a lot of poorly-crafted and conflicting rules,” he said. “These have significant

negative financial implications for sheep and beef farmers, rural communities and the wider economy when there are better ways of achieving good environmental outcomes.”

The sector’s solutions to the “volatile” international market included investing in foundation-building cooperation programmes to pave the way for new trade deals, and focusing on resolving non-tariff barriers.

*Kaiwaiwai is a split calving winter milk farm.

Our summer weather conditions have been a recipe for Facial Eczema (FE), which is caused by cows ingesting spores of a fungus, Pithomyces chartarum. These spores grow in the leaf litter at the base of pasture and thrive in warm, moist conditions. There is no cure for FE, so prevention is key. Preventative measures include monitoring pasture spore count, ideally on your own farm, and either dosing animals with zinc or spraying pastures with a fungicide. Breeding cows that are more tolerant to facial eczema is also a long-term option.

FE signs to look for are: a drop in milk production, restless cows seeking shade (photosensitivity) and licking their udder and reddening of exposed, unpigmented or thin skin, which then thickens and peels. It is estimated that for every cow which shows physical signs (i.e. clinical FE) there are 10 cows affected with FE who don’t show physical signs (i.e. subclinical FE).

Cows showing clinical signs of FE can recover if prompt action is taken. See Facial eczema – DairyNZ for more information on treating cows for FE.

INTEGRATED FARM PLANNING

• Have a business plan that links financial, physical and environmental goals.

• Build your unique soil and freshwater plan.

• Gain market insight and requirements of our processors, consumers and start the journey for FAP Plus.

• Potentially receive premiums for your product and access to lower interest rates.

• Understand your GHG profile.

• Have a proactive approach to people management.

• Create your Biosecurity and Biodiversity plan.

• Build relationships with leading industry professionals who know their stu .

• Do you want to get ahead of the game?

• Are you a key decision maker in a sheep and beef farm business?

• Are you able to collect farm and business information to include in your plan?

• Can you attend 8 workshops over 12 months?

• Are you willing to work with and learn from fellow participants and professionals?

Prices for New Zealand beef and sheep meat are expected to soften further this year as people tighten their spending. PHOTO/FILE

Grace Prior

Martinborough and Masterton spring cattle fair sale at the Masterton stockyards. PHOTO/GIANINA SCHWANECKE

Prizes for New Zealand bird images

Each year, game bird hunters pay an additional $5 for their hunting licence to conserve the habitat of New Zealand’s waterfowl and upland game species. The Habitat Stamp holds an image of a game bird – a different one each season. It was once required to be “affixed” or stuck on to the hunting

licence, but today only the stamp “image” on the licence is required. However, the stamp is available free on request to all hunters, and many have saved the stamps since they bought their first game licence. The first NZ Habitat Stamp, required for the 1994-1995 hunting season, cost the hunter $1.

For the past four game bird seasons, the NZ Game Bird Habitat Trust [GBHT] has funded a photographic competition with the winning image featured on the next Habitat Stamp.

The competition is open to anyone, and prizes are sponsored by Kilwell $1000 for the winner.

It was a generous move

Kiwi Fertiliser Seminar

Kiwi Fertiliser are proud to present an outstanding line up of local and international speakers, including industry experts from Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) from Missouri USA and Perry Agricultural Laboratory (PAL).

Date: Saturday 18 February 2023

Time: 11:30am start with light lunch included. Concludes at 4pm

Venue: Orlando Country, 748 Rangitikei Line, RD5, Palmerston North

conservation.

On average, over 30 hectares a year are restored or protected by the GBHT funds raised through the Habitat Stamps.

The GBHT encourages landowners to engage in active habitat management on their properties to benefit many types of wildlife. One habitat it promotes over all others is wetlands, with funds distributed to create and restore them throughout the country.

The GBHT receives applications for grants [until June 30 each year] and, in exercising its functions, draws heavily on the depth of its board member experience.

Many people think taxpayers fund fish and game agencies and programmes. But, in reality, they’re supported by hunters themselves. Hunters have raised millions of dollars and contributed thousands of

volunteer hours to wildlife conservation throughout New Zealand.

WHAT IS FISH & GAME?

• Fish & Game manages trout, salmon and game birds to provide healthy recreation for Kiwis. It works to protect the environment that anglers and hunters have enjoyed as a tradition for over 150 years.

AGENDA

Ron McLean – Managing Director Kiwi Fertiliser: Introductions.

Kristin Perry – Executive Director ALOT: Introducing ALOT. Background and leadership values driving Agricultural change.

Meagan Kaiser – Chief Operating O cer and Soil Scientist PAL: Data driven decisions for maximum economic yield – “Starts with the soil”

Charlie Pedersen – Ballahooley, Mahoe & Te One A Mara Dairy Farms: A decision for change. Former President of Federated Farmers NZ 2005 > 2009

Allan Law – Wyndlea Farms Eastern Bay of Plenty: Our Journey from Conventional Farming to Biological farming over the past three years.

David Law – Kiwi Fertiliser Director: Total Replacement Therapy, When the cations Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium & Sodium come into the required balance, bought in N reductions are signi cant and pro table through Biological inoculant’s and Kiwi Carbon Blend.

David Law – The Bio Circle: The relationship of soil pH to the pH of e uent ponds, a discovery of signi cance and sound science.

RSVP: Ron McLean ronmac@kiwifertiliser.co.nz or 0272894258

or 0274425913

A photo of a Californian quail strutting along a fence line is the image that will adorn the 2023 Game Bird Habitat Stamp.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

GREYTOWN SURROUNDS &

POPE AND GRAY CONTRACTORS – WORDS OF PRAISE

From its Greytown base, Pope and Gray Contracting has been meeting Wairarapa’s earthmoving, subdivision, and roading requirements since the˜1970s.

Five-star online reviews for Pope and Gray are revealing. Paul says “I have used these guys a few times now and they have been, to a man, helpful, hardworking, and super easy to deal with. Highly recommend them.” And Laura says “Big shout out to the sta° ! They were awesome, they brought in

a small digger to do a job on our small lifestyle property, the job was neat, tidy, and clean. Couldn’t ask for anymore.”

From subdivisions to roads, farm tracks, driveways, paths, and an array of drain laying services, including water and septic tank installation, Pope and Gray can handle it all. Even as it has grown to more than 25 sta° , the earthmoving company’s ‘family feel’ has been retained. Excellent customer service and quality workmanship are the result. Its small tipping trucks can get into di˛ cult areas while its large trucks are ideal for bulk cartage. A recently

purchased directional drill allows the crew to drill under roads and driveways to lay pipes and cables, without needing to disturb the surface.

With its focus on helping to service the Wairarapa with all its civil construction and drainage needs, Pope & Gray also prides itself on supporting local community volunteer groups like the Greytown Lions, Greytown Rail Trail, and various sports clubs.

Contact Pope and Gray Contractors for a free, no obligation quote by calling 06 304 8911 or emailing admin@ popeandgray.co.nz.

:

WHERE ALL YOUR TREE ISSUES ARE LOOKED AFTER

Qualified arborists Nic Durkin and William Bird of WaiARB are available for all arborist work in Wairarapa. After all the freaky weather we’ve been experiencing they may be just the men you need!

Whether it’s tidying up battered and broken trees, or specialised maintenance, such as pruning and reduction, the WaiARB team can help. They will help you with the complicated tree removals, such as trees over houses, or on difficult-to-access sites.

They can also advise on all types of arborist work including how to maintain prized trees when they are a feature of a property. Nic and William will also mill special timber trees such as oaks and macrocarpa and customers can either keep the wood or sell to WaiARB. And, if that’s not all – they will also chip the wood for mulch which customers can either keep, or WaiARB will take away.

Call Nic Durkin 027 463 7144 www.waiarb.co.nz

ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT

Tam Williams

Registered Nurse 06 377 7522 alz1.wairarapa@gmail.com

Solway Showgrounds, Cnr Fleet & York Streets, Masterton 5840

Ultimate Drain Clearing to the Rescue!

When all else fails and you need a good unblocking from an expert, call Ultimate Drain Clearing! We’ll get you flowing again! With over 30 years’ experience, Owner Paul and Foreman Jack can carry out urgent and non-urgent repairs on

WAIRARAPA

TREESCAPING

QUALIFIED ARBORISTS

For all tree work, powerline clearance, stump grinding, hedges

Powerco Approved Contractor CONTACT KEVIN WALSH: 0800 WAI TREE 0800 924 8733 “No tree too tall or too small” wairarapatreescaping@yahoo.co.nz

ARBORIST o ce@waitreescaping.nz www.waitreescaping.nz

ARBORIST

ARBORIST BIN HIRE

TR EE REMOVAL S TRUCTURAL PR UNING CHIPPING & STUMP GRINDING 027 463 7144 nic.durkin@waiarb.co.nz

WAIARB.CO.NZ

WAIRARAPA

WE HAVE ALL SKIP BIN OPTIONS

CALL TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS

www.waialu.co.nz

Warren & Mark Adam

LAWN AND GARDEN SERVICES

ROOF PAINTING

DWAYNE STEPHENS: 022

Dean Terry (AREA MANAGER)

M: 021 100 5724

E: sales@chemgroup.co.nz

www.truckersessentials.co.nz

www.homesafeproducts.co.nz

Contact Craig on 0274 251 313 or 06 304 7931 grif ths8@gmail.com

www.wairarapapainting.co.nz

this

Jumbo crossword

Sudoku

Last week’s crossword solution

ACROSS: 1 Large, 4 Make a beeline for, 14 Peace, 15 Lunar, 16 Ridiculous, 17 Sepia, 19 Boa, 20 Benefit, 21 Bagatelle, 22 Castle, 25 Biography, 27 Strain, 28 Warped, 33 Convenient, 35 Cur, 36 Caesar, 37 Bran, 39 Era, 41 Gondola, 42 Agenda, 43 Greyhound, 44 Knife, 45 Betrayal, 50 By, 51 Suitable, 55 Appal, 58 Aesthetic, 59 Aspect, 60 Rebound, 61 Cut, 63 Dais, 64 Remote, 65 Art, 66 Breakwater, 68 Morals, 69 Tyrant, 71 Ballot box, 76 Ironed, 77 Hairbrush, 79 Enabled, 81 Wit, 84 Decay, 85 Golden rule, 86 Affix, 87 Fumes, 88 Lead a merry dance, 89 Tsars. DOWN: 2 Acumen, 3 Glaze, 5 Aria, 6 Epitaph, 7 Brutal, 8 Evoke, 9 Insular, 10 Else, 11 Orphan, 12 Maybe, 13 Menaced, 14 Partial, 18 Diagonally, 23 Laces, 24 Diverge, 26 Invader, 27 Streaky, 29 Perturb, 30 Coyote, 31 Scent, 32 Gateau, 34 Tugs, 36 Cabin, 38 Nudge, 40 Shut, 45 Board, 46 Tastier, 47 Ache, 48 Anthem, 49 Space, 50 Blatant, 52 Ice skating, 53 Avocado, 54 Landed, 55 Acronym, 56 Spite, 57 Scab, 62 Realm, 67 Almonds, 68 Midwife, 70 Amalgam, 72 Austria, 73 Rescue, 74 Creepy, 75 Senior, 76 Items, 78 Ruler, 80 Buffs, 82 Dyed, 83 Bloc.

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

Firewood

GUM 4m3 $680, 2m3 $400

DOUGLAS˜FIR 4m3 $670, 2m3 $390

MACROCARPA 4m3 $670, 2m3 $390

SPLIT PINE 4m3 $560, 2m3 $330

MANUKA 2m3 $560

BAGGED KINDLING $15each

COMBO’S

Gardening Landscaping

Paul August Landscape Design

Landscape Consultation & Design Service 027 446 8256 august.landscape@orcon.net.nz www.augustlandscapes.co.nz

Employment

lenburn Station

Accommodation Assistant

Par si at assi st

T can eed si ve, sel ot iv nj oy ng

The ob nv ol pa ng ho us gue ar en ai an au nd y. Acco at vi ed

Enq uiries phone 70 45 Email info glenb urnstation.co.n

as ual ook/K itchen nd

Exp er en essen al ai ven ever Saf er cat ul be dv nt us G ui tere er er so

T ccessf can st ayer ib le ir ila il it di nt hi nd ha or et et e.

Public

Public Notices

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 part of Dakins Road for the purpose of The Harvest Festival for the period indicated hereunder:

Period of Closure:

Friday 17th Feb 2023 7.00am – 7.00pm

Saturday 18th Feb 2023 7.00am – 7.00pm

Roads affected:

Dakins Road from the western boundary of Urlar Vineyard down to and including the Carterton District Council reserve known as ‘The Cliffs’

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

Fo er et N se Man ag er ar en McK 06) 07 dur ng ua us ne ur lease email your and covering letter to: nursemanager cartercourt.co.n

TR EA SU ER olunteer osition acancy ave you got the time and the s ills to be ing treet rtwork s reasurer Stree rt wo rk upp or ng en eal el ei om uni

T su er ver an ci al af ai Stree A two rk re th an er eg al co pr ic The nt nd ve an sat an ci an ci al ci es, sks, de ni un di por ni es dv ng nv nt op por un

A ar em er cer yo so eq ed en eet cu en el st T esd ay ry th S A two rk ar ci at ver an eci si aki ar e.

Thi pa d, ol unt os re tu rn tere ti om ou assi aki eal er en en eal an el be our om ni

Please contact the eneral anager Ian hapman 06) or ingst@ wise.net.n

New Arrival? Book a birth notice advert

$35

13 LINES.

2 INSERTS $45 ADD $10 FOR PIC ON TOP

P:06 370 6033

E:CLASSADS@AGE.CO.NZ

Employment St Patr ick's School eading ecov ery os ition (Training)

Due to a recent change in circumstances, we are looking for an experienced teacher who is passionate about developing a love of Literacy in children, likes being challenged and is looking for a way to further develop their teaching capacity

We are seeking a teacher who would like to engage in this exceptional professional development opportunity to train as a Reading Recovery teacher and work with students to accelerat e their literacy learning

The 0 44 teaching position is for 2 hours per day in school and training sessions at the Reading Recovery Centre. This is a fixed term position for 2023 only

Visits to school are welcomed by appointment

Please send your application to principal@stpatsmstn.school.nz or drop it in to the school office

Please include:

a covering letter stating your suitabili ty for this position a CV with the names of two references

Please contact the Principal on 06 377 5043 or via email if you have further questions about the position.

Applications close mid -day

Thursday 9th February 2023

ACHE OF OM ME RCE SIN ESS ST IES

Part time, Permanent, - Suitable for beginning teachers

We are looking for a teacher of any combination of Commerce to NCEA 1 and Business Studies to NCEA 2, with the ability to teach junior social studies who will be committed to delivering quality teaching and learning programmes which support our students to achieve excellence.

Y9 13 students and also operates a co -ed senior college in Y12 13 with girls from St eg g

that enjoys a reputation as a school in New Zealand that provides students with an excellent opportunity to develop into wellrounded young people The school grounds cover 58 hectares, 5 minutes north of Masterton Three boys' boarding houses are located on the grounds, catering for 180 boarding students

On-site accommodation and a role within our boarding houses may be available.

To apply please send your covering letter and CV and direct enquiries to: Martin O'Grady, Principal principal@rathkeale school nz

Phone 06 377 9032

Application s