My Masterton 2018

mymasterton masterton Smart Moves - February 2018

Best of both worlds P4-5

Home ownership within reach P8-9 Business opportunities abound P24-25

Proudly brought to you by:

Your locally owned newspaper

smart moves [

1]

Masterton A town packed full of surprises Imagine a place where smart 20-somethings can secure their futures with canny property investments, where IT entrepreneurs work for the world from their home offices and 50-somethings embrace a sophisticated social fabric, richly studded with ever-changing good food, wine and leisure activities.

Well, that place exists, and it is called Masterton. Located a 90-minute drive north of Wellington, Masterton is situated at the head of the Ruamahanga Valley in Wairarapa.

Masterton is one of three districts in the Wairarapa - the others being Carterton and South Wairarapa - and makes up over half the population of the region.

Masterton’s boundaries spread form the Tararua Ranges in the west, all the way east to the Pacific Coast, including the iconic Castlepoint Beach and Riversdale resort.

Everywhere you look you see stunning vistas, and it’s not hard to find a home with a view of mountains, rivers, and the ever-changing rural landscape.

For a town with a modest population of around 20,000, Masterton boasts superb retail opportunities, unparalleled in any other part of provincial New Zealand.

because at its heart is a town that has everything you want – big brand stores, all of the services you need and sporting and recreational amenities all within a five-minute drive - and really good service.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

INSIDE: Tale of three lads

Masterton, the place where you want to be.

But don’t take our word for it, come on over and see for yourself.

who sought adventure P5

($7.80/week home delivery)

P21

Sci-fi fever arrives P6-7

P3

Black Comedy

You beauties Above: The view of a section of Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterto Below: The Greytown Memoria n. l Park.

PHOTOS/FILE

Masterton and Greytown cla

JAKE BELESKI

jake.beleski@age.co.nz

It’s official – Masterton is the most beautiful city in New Zealand, and Greytown is the most beautiful small town.

Both scooped top awards at last night’s Beautiful Awards gala dinner at the Craggy Range Vineyard in Hastings.

Masterton took out the top prize for Most Beautifu l City (population over 20,000), with Greytown and Feilding winning most beautiful small town

WEATHER:

20 8

(population under 5000) and large town (5000 to 20,000 ), respectively.

The awards, run by the Keep New Zealand Beautiful charitab le trust, recognise and celebrat e positive actions taken by communities in local and urban areas to protect and enhance their local environments.

The judges said Masterton’s entry blew them away with its wide range of environmental and heritage conservation projects and the strength of the commu , nity engagement “with numero us community groups working hard

im NZ’s most beautiful crown

s

to make the city a safer and more beautiful community”.

Speaking at the gala dinner last night, Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson said it was a great result for the region.

“There’s natural beauty all around Masterton and some outstanding parks and reserves , but the most beautiful thing is our wonderful community.

“This award is for our people and I’m proud to collect it on their behalf.”

Continued on page 2

INSIDE:  Local P1-7  Opinio n P10-11  Television P25  Puzzles P26-27  Classifi eds P31-23  Sport P33-36

DEMONSTRATOR CLEARA Get great savings across

More and more people are choosing to make this beautiful part of the word their home

NCE NO

W ON our range of demonstrat ors

Eastwood Motor Group Limi

ted | 0800 104 103 | www .eastwoodmotorgroup.co.n

z

[

2 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

$1.70

Easy peasy lemon squeezy

It is easy to see why Masterton was voted the country’s most beautiful city last year, beating finalists Napier and Tauranga. Here is what the judges of the Beautiful Awards, run by Keep New Zealand Beautiful, said about Masterton.

“Masterton blew away the judges with their wide range of environmental and heritage conservation projects, and the strength of their community engagement with numerous community groups working hard to make Masterton a safer and more beautiful community.”

LOCALLY OWNED. INDEPEN DENT.

CONTENTS 4 Relishing the best of both worlds 6 Timing everything for these “lifestylers” 8 Home ownership worth travelling for 12 Backing region’s “huge potential” 14 Couple find their slice of paradise

Welcome from the mayor of Masterton Lyn Patterson

18 Loving all that Masterton has to offer 22 No lottery ticket required for this jackpot 24 Business opportunities a big lure

CHECK US OUT ONLINE AT www.mymasterton.co.nz

Masterton District Council is proud to bring you this publication.

Smart Moves profiles some of the many families who have moved to Masterton in recent years.

They have come from all over the North Island, for various reasons, such as affordability, quality of life, business and employment opportunities.

We believe they have made a great choice, and it is wonderful to be able to share their stories.

This publication continues on from a series called Affordable Country Living, which was distributed throughout Auckland during 2015 and 2016, and then in Wellington last year.

We are fortunate here in Masterton to be part of a fantastic community,

offering many opportunities for residents of all ages; from our superb choice of schools and colleges to our wonderful parks and reserves.

These are just some of the attractions that have inspired people to make Masterton their home. This publication highlights many other wonderful features in our district.

Moving here will be the best choice you could ever make for you and your family.

Lyn Patterson Mayor of Masterton Smart moves [

3]

Relishing the best of both worlds

It’s reasonable to assume that landing your dream job comes at the expense of something else.

Surely there will have to be a bit of compromise somewhere along the way, say on location or a less than desirable commute to the new place of work?

Apparently not, as demonstrated by Pukaha Mt Bruce conservation manager Todd Jenkinson.

four kids that need to empty their tank quite often, run around the yard, go for a swim and do whatever.

He’s got it all - the job, (an easy commute to work), a character home on a 1.6 hectare rural section complete with stream and even a swimming hole.

Most importantly of course, he has the family - wife Jean and the four kids, all of whom are also smitten with the new lifestyle on the outskirts of Masterton.

Todd is taking none of it for granted.

“For the price that we paid you wouldn’t find that anywhere else in New Zealand.”

“What we have got here is just incredible . . . we feel really lucky,” he says Todd Jenkinson is conservation manager at Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.

“It’s the perfect lifestyle block for a family that has

LAST YEAR, OUR KIWI WAS THIS BIG. Come back and see it all grown up.

State Highway 2, Just north of Masterton

www.pukaha.org.nz

06 375 8004 [

4 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

These guys know all about property prices having contemplated entering the Auckland market two years ago.

Previously living in Dubbo, in rural New South Wales, Todd brought the family back over to New Zealand when he scored a job at Auckland Zoo. The job was terrific with the zoo doing some really interesting work in the wildlife conservation space, he says.

Moving to Masterton has opened up new opportunities for Todd and Jean Jenkinson and their four kids.

“

Moving to Masterton has been fantastic for the family, they absolutely love it here. There are great schools for the kids, heaps of opportunities - my wife has recently started her own business.

“

“Unfortunately, I didn’t really do my homework around the cost of living in Auckland and buying a home for a family of six,” he says.

Pretty quickly it dawned on them that Auckland was going to be unaffordable. He packed up Jean and the kids and moved to Whanganui, where they bought a house. The job stayed in Auckland however, with the weekends becoming all the more precious as the majority of Todd’s time was spent back in the City of Sails.

“It was tough on the family.”

So when a newly created position came up on the other side of the Island at Pukaha Mount Bruce, 20-minutes drive north of Masterton, not only was Todd in bird heaven, but it also enabled him to get his family back.

“Moving to Masterton has been fantastic for the family, they absolutely love it here. There are great schools for the kids, heaps of opportunities - my wife has recently started her own business.

“I think houses prices here (in Masterton) are so affordable given that Masterton is a really nice city, it is close to Wellington, close to Palmerston North, close to the Tararuas.”

And then there are the birds. Todd says his position

at the National Wildlife Centre is his dream job.

He has had an affinity with feathered creatures since he was a boy growing up in Oamaru. At the age of nine his mum and dad bought him an incubator so he could hatch chicks. He took that boyhood interest into his working life, which has been spent in zoos and wildlife parks across New Zealand and Australia.

“Pukaha has got such a reputation, particularly in the conservation-breeding field. It’s done some amazing stuff over the years with some of our most endangered birds.

“Where it is right now is just amazing and I was very lucky to score a position.”

Bringing our treasured native fauna - and flora - back from the brink of extinction is a massive challenge. Not only do conservationists like Todd have to win the war against predators, but also the

hearts and minds of the general public. Remarkably, the dedicated folk up at Pukaha Mount Bruce are achieving both.

Visitors are able to experience some of our rarest species that cannot be viewed anywhere else on mainland New Zealand. See the antics of the Kaka, our native parrot, aka the forest clown, watch enormous eels bathing in the shallows and enjoy a peaceful walk in a primeval native forest.

Other highlights include: a 40-by-20 metre state of the art walk-through aviary, the Kiwi House and nursery where Manukura lives, the only white kiwi in captivity; guided tours and twilight tours; an interactive gallery that tells the story of the 942-hectare forest reserve.

Smart moves [

5]

Timing everything for these

“lifestylers” For Grant and Mel Backhouse buying a lifestyle block was never going to happen if they stayed put in the Hutt Valley. Opportunities are just too limited, and prices crazily high.

But then there was their young family to consider. Uprooting and relocating to the provinces can potentially be unsettling, for everyone.

Also, front of mind was that their oldest son was about to start college in the New Year. With lots of properties on the market the Backhouses were spoilt for choice, however “pretty much fell in love” with the place that they bought the moment they entered the driveway. West of Masterton, towards the foothills of the Tararua Ranges, the 1.2 hectare property has a spacious three bedroom house, and large “granny flat”. Much of the property is planted in olive trees and there is also an orchard. A couple of sheep help keep the grass under control and, generally speaking, property maintenance doesn’t take up too much of the weekend. At the time, the property was incredibly affordable.

“You do get good value for money in Wairarapa, that’s for sure.”

The previous owners had lived there for 22-years having established the property.

Timing became critical, in fact pivotal, and in late 2015 they trolled through real estate listings hunting for their slice of paradise.

“We just couldn’t believe it, the way it was laid out - everything was in its place, it was perfect.” Grant says.

“Buying a little lifestyle property was something that I had always wanted to do.

Although rural, the property is handy to schools and this year the Backhouses will have a foot in all three camps, with kids at college, intermediate and also primary school.

“It was never going to happen the longer we stayed in the Hutt Valley, and Wairarapa was always an area that appealed to me,” Grant recalls. [

6 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

“Schooling is fantastic. There are lots of different opportunities for kids that you don’t really get in the

The Backhouse family are loving the lifestyle choice in rural Masterton.

Hutt Valley. At Wairarapa College, for example, there is a farm which is great for our (oldest) boy as he is really interested in farm related stuff.”

The other two boys go to Masterton Intermediate School and also Fernridge School. Grant says he and Mel feel extremely lucky to have landed their dream home and are thrilled that they made the decision when they did.

“If we didn’t do it when we did, we probably would have never done it, or not till much later after all of the kids had finished their schooling.”

Grant’s sister is also pretty smitten with the region. After visiting last year she took an instant liking and before long had bought a house in the Lansdowne area of town. While enjoying the good life in Masterton, Grant has kept working back on the southern side of the Rimutaka’s where he runs an electrical business based in Petone. He structures his day so that we can leave early in the morning to beat the traffic.

“Commuting to and from work never takes me more than an hour.”

While the train is an option, driving provides far more flexibility, he says.

Smart moves [

7]

Home ownership worth travelling for

Kimberly Bingham and her son Maddix reckon home ownership is worth travelling for.

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE

50TH NZ S NATIONAL

SAT 17 & SUN 18 MARCH 2NG0WILL18 ALL CLASSES OF RACI RS BE OPEN TO COMPETITO ON BOTH DAYS

/mastertonmotorplex

UNDER 14S FREE!

GATE ENTRY $20 PER PERSON PER DAY

GATES OPEN: 9AM SATURDAY, 8AM SUNDAY RACING STARTS: 10AM SATURDAY, 9AM SUNDAY [

8 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

• Wallpaper • Curtains • Blinds • Furniture • Re-upholstery • Decor Free in home consultation free measure & quote

Exclusive Wairarapa stockist of

Phone: 378 6060 Email: carl@countrylife.co.nz www.countrylife.co.nz Open: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm or by appointment

431 Queen Street, Kuripuni, Masterton

With home ownership in cities increasingly out of reach, many kiwis are thinking outside of the square in order to get on the property ladder.

Determined to not let rampant property prices crush her home ownership dream, Kimberly Bingham went house hunting in the provinces.

As a “city girl”, a bottom line when looking in Wairarapa for a house to share with eight yearold son Maddix was that it needed to be close to amenities.

“That was really important to me.

“I still wanted to be able to do all the things we enjoyed doing in the city,” she says.

Imagine her excitement then when she found a place in Masterton that ticked all the boxes.

While the story so far perhaps reads a little ordinary, what is alluring about this tale is the fact that both mother and son continue to attend their respective work and school back on the other side of the Rimutakas.

A communications manager at a respected national organisation based in Petone,

Kimberly absolutely loves her job and is in no hurry to swap it.

As for Maddix, he gets to spend extra quality time with mum each morning and afternoon during the one hour commute.

“People think we are mad, they can’t believe that we drive that hill everyday.

“But when it is your only option, you get into a routine and it becomes your new normal . . . we really love our time together and it’s nice not having Maddix in before or after school care.”

Prior to shifting, Kimberly had been a regular visitor to Wairarapa with family based in Greytown.

“They had been saying for years that we should move here, but I didn’t think I was ready to leave Wellington for a small town life.”

After two fruitless years looking for a house to buy in Wellington, last year Kimberly dipped her toe into the Wairarapa market.

“We looked at about 10 houses between Featherston and Masterton and fell in love with the property in Kuripuni.”

She put an offer on the place in July, and by September they had moved in.

“In Wellington we were looking at two bedroom units that were one of three or four.

“Whereas in Masterton we’ve got this beautiful 3 bedroom home, with two bathrooms and lovely neighbours for the same price, as well as a great

location. We walk everywhere!”

Centrally located in Masterton, Kuripuni is a “great little village”, handy to shops, cafés and restaurants.

“There is a lot for families to do in Wairarapa, and pretty much every weekend we are out and about doing something new.”

Queen Elizabeth Park is a favourite for Maddix, right across the road from the public swimming pools, another big attraction for the young lad.

Kimberly says buying your first home can be pretty overwhelming, but it is not unachievable.

Having Kiwisaver is really helpful, but comes with the condition that you have to live in the property for the first six months.

“Initially we thought we’ll just move and live in it for six months, then rent it out, move back to Wellington and rent there.

“But honestly, in that time we have fallen in love with the Wairarapa, we don’t actually want to go back and are prepared to keep commuting because we don’t want to leave - we love the area, the house, the climate and being close to family.

It’s crazy!

“We never thought that would happen but it’s proving to be one of the best decisions we ever made.”

Proudly building Kiwi homes for Kiwis for 15 years At A1homes we’re here to make things easy and it couldn’t be easier when using all the good stuff from home.

Changing plans? Easy. Working out costs? Head over to our website, we’ve pretty much done it for you. Then you can choose to manage the build yourself with an A1 Kit Home, or we’ll make it even easier, and handle it for you.

So whether it’s your first home, second home, or home away from home, call A1homes or visit our website and discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

Showhome: 47 Main Street, Greytown Open: Mon to Fri 9am - 4pm Saturday 11am - 3pm

Contact: Paul Southey t: 06 304 8399 m: 027 230 5067 e: paul.southey@a1homes.co.nz

Smart moves [

9]

bayleys.co.nz Contributor to realestate.co.nz [

10 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz Contributor to realestate.co.nz Smart moves [

11 ]

Backing region’s

“huge potential”

There is “ample opportunity” in Masterton according to the new owner of Water-Mart Wairarapa, Richard McNaughton.

Richard McNaughton is the first to admit that transitioning from one part of the country to another is no easy ride.

But as the saying goes, no gain without pain.

“It’s fair to say that I took a while to warm up. But I’m well onboard now and really glad that we did it,” Richard says.

His first two years saw him practise as a solicitor in Masterton, then back in his native Waikato, to now owning and operating a company that employs 46-staff.

Masterton-based Water-Mart Wairarapa, which he bought in August last year, is the main provider of plumbing, drain-laying, gas fitting and roofing services in the region. Buying the business meant exiting the Waikato for good, selling up several investments in the process. He spent many months doing due diligence on Water-Mart and it took a second look [

12 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

before he and wife Veronica decided to go ahead.

At the end of the day it comes down to the principle of risk and reward, he says, if you take the risk you will get the reward, hopefully.

“I’ve got a law degree, I’ve studied management at Waikato University, so I’ve got those theory tools to enable me to run the business, but it is a beast and it needs to be carefully tamed.”

Recognising the “huge potential” in Wairarapa, Richard’s instincts tell him that the company has a bright future.

“There is ample opportunity here [in Wairarapa]. The region is growing, it’s vibrant . . . we will probably always lag behind Waikato simply because of Waikato’s proximity to Auckland.

“But in Wairarapa we’ve got proximity to Wellington, and you can leverage off that,” he says.

While Aucklanders might not see it this way, Wellington is just as important as Auckland, and that is really significant for Wairarapa, he says.

“Masterton, in 20-years time will be, in my opinion, a satellite city of Wellington.”

That being the case, the message is, get in quick and be prepared to persevere.

“Things just don’t happen, they definitely just don’t happen here, but if you stick at it you will be rewarded.”

With Veronica teaching, and their two children at primary school, Richard says the family feel well and truly at home in Masterton. He has no hesitation in encouraging his professional colleagues in the Waikato to follow suit. Water-Mart is run as a family business, representing one of Richard’s core values.

His stepdaughter, Natasha, also works within in the business and is the company Accountant. Since acquiring the company Richard has established the Water-Mart Charitable Trust which aims to build a home every second year with the proceeds from the sale going to worthy community causes in education and sport, his two other core values.

The Trust has already purchased its first section and along with fellow trustee, Brady Bingham, WaterMart will oversee the building using a number of like-minded local businesses to keep costs low and increase the potential dividend from the final sale.

“We hope to raise around $200,000, and we will do that every couple of years. It is an opportunity for Water-Mart to put its name out there, but more importantly, we hope that it can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Professionals, Patrick & Scott Ltd 2077 State Highway 2, Greytown

GREYTOWN OPPORTUNITY

6

We bring to the market an opportunity to purchase 41 hectares of prime land, approximately 2km from Greytown on SH2 South. The property features a six bedroom home two bedroom accommodation separate and included within the home ideal accommodation for visitors or homestay. The farm is well subdivided with its own water scheme. There is a private airstrip, 2 stand woolshed, cattle and sheep yards and two large implement sheds. This property is set well back from the road, is private with exceptional views over the farm and towards to Tararua ranges. The lucky purchaser of this property will enjoy the living experience while having an exceptional investment opportunity. R.V. $2,465,000.

VIEW PRICE CONTACT

WEBSITE

1

21 Hardie Grove, Featherston

1

3

1

1

Stunningly Beautiful

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY. MUST GO

This beautifully renovated single bay villa combines character, charm and comfort in a serene way. It is a home that is quintessentially set in a private sunny setting

Here is a brilliant opportunity for a first home buyer or property investor. The vendors are serious about selling and want this property SOLD If you are looking for a project..

PRICE Deadline for Offers Wed 28 Feb 4.00pm CONTACT Fran Scott - 027 448 4157 fran@patrickandscott.co.nz WEBSITE housepoint.co.nz/FE1523

PRICE

Auction Thu 22 Mar 2.00pm, Professionals Office; 48 Fitzherbert St Featherston CONTACT Fran Scott - 027 448 4157 fran@patrickandscott.co.nz Jacqui Jones - 027 2173141 jacqui@patrickandscott.co.nz WEBSITE housepoint.co.nz/FE1525

6 Bell Street, Featherston 4

2

23 West Street, Greytown

1

3

2

2

Make Me The BELLE OF BELL STREET

WONDER ON WEST

Grab the opportunity to invest in this corner site property situated at the picturesque end' of Bell Street, nestled under the beautiful native covered Featherston Domain Bushwalk.

Located in popular West Street, this property ticks all the boxes.

Situated on a 1120m2 section, the setting is tranquil and private with mature trees. New family required.

PRICE Auction Thu 8 Mar 2.00pm CONTACT Jacqui Jones - 027 2173141 jacqui@patrickandscott.co.nz WEBSITE housepoint.co.nz/FE1520

PRICE Offers Invited On Or Before 21 March 2018 CONTACT Jacqui Jones - 027 2173141 jacqui@patrickandscott.co.nz WEBSITE housepoint.co.nz/FE1526

28 Somerset Road, Clareville 3

1

3434 State Highway 2, Clareville

2

4

1

1

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!!

A Substantial Home On 1 Ha

Just a few minutes from town centre and railway station, yet nestled amongst scenic farmland, this property offers the best of both worlds.

The home offers comfortable living in all seasons

This home has been loved by its present owners for over 20 years and it is a privilege to bring this lifestyle property to you.

The gardens have been carefully designed PRICE Offers Invited On Or Before 27 February CONTACT Klaas Verbeek - 027 5946524 klaas@patrickandscott.co.nz Jenny Keating - 027 4612998 jenny@patrickandscott.co.nz WEBSITE housepoint.co.nz/CA1793

PRICE BEO $415,000 CONTACT Gina Collings - 027 2750145 gina@patrickandscott.co.nz Marlize Le Roux - 022 420 3010 marlize@patrickandscott.co.nz WEBSITE housepoint.co.nz/CA1796

Supporting the Child Cancer Foundation for over 20 years.

3

By Appointment Only Deadline Private Treaty Fri 30 Mar 2.00pm Andy Scott - 027 448 4047 andy@patrickandscott.co.nz Gary Patrick - 027 450 4290 gary@patrickandscott.co.nz housepoint.co.nz/MA2313

5 Hayward Street, Featherston 3

2

Professionals, Patrick & Scott Ltd LICENSED REAA 2008

Telephone: 06 378 2500 43 Chapel St, Masterton

facebook.com/patrickandscottltd/ youtube.com/user/professionalsgroupnz twitter.com/patrickandscott

housepoint.co.nz Smart moves [

13 ]

paradise

Couple find their slice of

Why use Loan Market Wairarapa?

We find the right loan for your individual circumstances.

We will negotiate the right deal for you

We’re a one stop shop making us faster and simpler to deal with

We will always provide you with independent advice you can trust

Our service to you is at no charge

Contact your local Loan Market advisers today.

Matt Spicer, Franchise Owner and Mortgage Adviser M: 027 495 5920 | P: 06 378 8641 E: matt.spicer@loanmarket.co.nz A: 14 Perry Street Masterton

[

14 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

Rachel James, Mortgage and Insurance Adviser BBS NZCFS M: 027 602 1312 | P: 06 304 8988 E: rachel.james@loanmarket.co.nz A: 124 Main Street Greytown

For newly-weds Chris and Camille Petersen, getting out of Auckland was a no-brainer.

in the middle of 2016, the house was sold for $1.8million!

“Basically, if we were to stay and buy our own place we probably would’ve had to have settled for a house that needed a lot of work in a suburb that we didn’t want to live and pay $1 million for the privilege.”

Instead, in Masterton they paid half of that for a 4-bedroom home, on half an acre.

Ironically, it wasn’t Wairarapa that they had initially set as a destination. However, when they both secured jobs in Masterton, on the same day, Wairarapa easily won out and the happy couple have not looked back.

Both had good jobs - Chris, a sales and marketing manager, Camille, a vet - but home ownership was becoming increasingly unattainable. They were thinking about starting a family too.

“For us, it really came down to lifestyle,” Chris says. “Our friends with family were doing things like dropping their kids off at daycare at 6.30 in the morning, sitting in traffic all day, and not getting home till 7.30 at night. That’s no way to raise a family.”

The envy of some of their Auckland friends, several are in the process of following suit.

And family is now really important, following the arrival of their first child, son Theodore, born last year. In Masterton, Chris’ commute to work - almost the exact same distance as it was in Auckland currently takes him six minutes.

“Life here feels so much easier.”

In Auckland it was anything from 20 to 40 minutes in the morning and well over an hour at night.

“I’ve got myself back nearly two hours a day.”

As for buying a house, the horse had well and truly bolted. When Chris had started renting a house in Sandringham in 2010, the landlord had the property on the market for $550,000, but it couldn’t sell.

“Realistically, living in Auckland, you struggle to do everything the city has to offer and you hardly see your friends because getting around is so hard,” Chris says.

Easier perhaps, but doesn’t leaving the ‘big the smoke’ behind mean giving up all those big city opportunities?

“We thought we would miss a lot of what Auckland has to offer, but the ‘Cake Tin’ is just down the road for sports events, and both Wellington and Palmerston North are an easy drive away for anything else we could desire. Plus, Hawke’s Bay is just up the road.

You are sort of in the middle of everything here, which is perfect!”

When Chris and Camille decided to exit Auckland

ljhooker.co.nz

5

3

1

Mount Bruce, Wairarapa FOR SALE Offers Over $500,000

VIEW

By Appointment ljhooker.co.nz/R8RGES CONTACT

Kevin (Ben) Hepburn 0274 555 782 John Ritchie 021 848 297

NORMANDELL - RURAL ARTIST RESIDENCY & RETREAT With a history spanning over a century - nurtured from wilderness in 1900 through to the treasured five acre hermitage of today – this property stands proud within the idyllic Tararua country, framed by mountain ranges and remnants of historic bushland.

The original Scandinavian Cottage of the early 1900’s began as a bachelor’s farm cottage, and retains its simplistic character of that era whilst hosting a who’s who of artisans worldwide.

When the main home was completed in 1912, a new chapter of Normandell began. Being the residence of a clockmaker-cum-farmer, a clockmaker’s workshop was included within the loft space, a lonely dormer window providing light to work by where his original workbench still exists. Since developed and extended, this space now feels akin to a Manhattan studio apartment… all angles and expanse and wood and

McHattie McHattie Realty Realty Limited Limited MREINZ MREINZ 44 Renall Renall Street, Street, Masterton Masterton 06 06 378 378 8666 8666 David Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008 Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

1.9Ha

skylights and bookshelves and nooks and inspiration.

A timeless world to enter. One to grudgingly leave.

Yet the main house is just as inspiring, wrapping a warmth of timber tones and traditional character around your heart; each room beckoning from cosy corners offering contemporary comforts.

Operating as the “New Zealand Pacific Studio, Artists’ Residency Centre” – offering a haven to artists, writers, environmentalists, and researchers - Normandell is nationally and internationally recognised and appreciated. A place to retreat to, recuperate in, and in which the creative juices are allowed to flow.

Workspaces are provided and there’s land to roam.

Lush gardens, wandering paths, woodland shadows, sweeping lawns. www.artistresidency.org.nz provides an insight into the workings of the retreat, testimonials from past Ali

David DavidBen

Ali AliJohn

Ben Ben Lynn

Lynn Lynn Mike

residents, an outline of community-orientated programs, and a further glimpse of the beauty of Normandell.

Nearby places of note include the neighbouring Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, the iconic ANZAC Memorial Bridge, Palmerston North city about an hour away, and New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, under 2 hours.

There is magic here. Whether you wish to develop the retreat, or keep it under wraps for yourself, the magic remains, and development potential as a lifestyle or businesswise is huge.

For further information, an information pack, or to arrange your personal appointment to view, please call Kevin (Ben) Hepburn or John Ritchie

Mike Mike Steve

Blair Blair Tira

Steve Steve Bex

Tira Tira Karina

Julie Julie Tonya

Keith Keith Keith

Smart moves [

15 ]

ljhooker.co.nz ljhooker.co.nz OPEN HOME

OPEN HOME

4

2

2

Elegance is undeniable. From the ornate vaulte an abundance of natural light and restful déc Both formal living and family areas provide co of the bedrooms offer retreats for family and/ FOR SALE adjoining study, with wide double doors to ca Offers Over $655,000 Utility areas are a delight. The kitchen is a ligh 2 2 VIEW 4 through to a traditional storeroom. Compreh

By Appointment 123 Renall Street Masterton by a gasfire within the formal areas, insulation ljhooker.co.nz/RPMGES An Absolute Family Jewel Outside, the parklike grounds boast expanses Elegance is undeniable.

From the ornate vaulted plasterwork to garden and f workshop, a garden shed, vegie CONTACT gleaming native timbers and built-in cabinetry, complemented Conveniently located David McHattie by an abundance of natural light and restful décor:for all levels of schoolin FOR SALE embracing situation for family generations to This treasured property is immediately welcoming.

021 447 041 Offers Over $655,000 Formal living and family areas provide comfortable Please don’t delay. Callspaces Davidforor any of the LJ VIEW

Masterton 123 Renall Street

5

3

2

Masterton 94 Cole Street

Sumptuous Westside Character Home!!!

FOR SALE Mid $600,000’s VIEW

By Appointment ljhooker.co.nz/RPVGES CONTACT

Lynn Davies 0274 454 990

Tucked away on a tranquil rear section, this expansive Villa has had spectacular renovations carried out, turning this 1919 classic home into a fabulous, contemporary, family residence with huge appeal!! Irresistible features include: * Stunning new modern-day farm-style kitchen * A spacious living room overlooking picturesque gardens * Five - four being large doubles with fab storage * Cosy inviting library with French doors onto a private deck * Heating is no problem - a new heat pump and three log fires * Great off-street parking for guests or extended family.

Gardens, lawns, beautiful aspects... restful decor... an incredibly desirable locale, handy to schools, town, and rail...

If you’re liking the sound of this gorgeous property, we recommend you view today before its too late!!

entertaining as well as day-to-day enjoyment. The kitchen, with appealing cabinetry, and easy access to a traditional storeroom.

Comprehensive heating is achieved by a Wamsler woodrange driving seven radiators, assisted by a gasfire, insulation, and the benefit of being a well-sarked home.

Conveniently located for all levels of schooling and rail, this property offers a warm, welcoming, embracing situation for family generations to thrive within.

Please don’t delay. Call David to view.

By Appointment ljhooker.co.nz/RPMGES CONTACT

David McHattie ljhooker.co.nz ljhooker.co.nz 021 447 041

OPEN HOME

FASTEST GROWING

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OFFICE

In the LJ Hooker Group nationwide …. for a good reason 4

2

An Absolute Family Jewel

2

CALL NOW TO FIND OUT WHY!

Masterton 123 Renall Street FOR SALE Offers Over $655,000 VIEW

By Appointment ljhooker.co.nz/RPMGES

Elegance is undeniable. From the ornate vaulted plasterwork to gleaming native timbers and built-in cabinetry, complemented by an abundance of natural light and restful décor: This treasured property is immediately welcoming.

Both formal living and family areas provide comfortable spaces for entertaining as well as day-to-day enjoyment, whilst each of the bedrooms offer retreats for family and/or guests. The master bedroom is a spacious haven to return to, blessed by an adjoining study, with wide double doors to cast open on those hot balmy days.

Utility areas are a delight. The kitchen is a light, bright room with appealing cabinetry, adjacent informal living and easy access through to a traditional storeroom. Comprehensive heating is achieved by a Wamsler woodrange driving seven radiators, assisted by a gasfire within the formal areas, insulation, and the benefit of being a well-sarked home.

Outside, the parklike grounds boast expanses of lawn, with established trees and shrubs providing privacy. Great garaging with workshop, a garden shed, vegie garden and fruit trees all invite one to potter happily.

Conveniently located for all levels of schooling and the Renall Street rail station, this property offers a warm, welcoming, embracing situation for family generations to thrive within.

Please don’t delay. Call David or any of the LJ Hooker Masterton team to view.

Rachel Archer 0273 782 502

CONTACT

David McHattie 021 447 041

inspect.masterton@ljh.co.nz 5 3 2

Keith Archer 0273 782 501

• Strict Arrears Management

OPEN HOME

pim.masterton@ljh.co.nz Sumptuous

Masterton 94 Cole• Street Tucked away on a tranquil rear section, this expansi Dedicated Property 3

2

2

Masterton 19C Titoki Street READY TO MOVE IN & ENJOY! FOR SALE $340,000 VIEW

By Appointment ljhooker.co.nz/RHKGES CONTACT

David McHattie 021 447 041

Bex Johnson 0275 407 083

Everyone will have time for the weekends with this low maintenance, 12 year old home just a five minutes’ walk to Lansdowne Village, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Henley Lake.

Living is easy with a modern kitchen, generous open plan living, main bathroom, separate toilet and master bedroom downstairs. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, a second full bathroom and another living area ideal for a den or office.

And there’s not a lot to do outside, no lawns to mow and minimal maintenance...

Simply sit on the front deck upstairs and enjoy the view.

Nothing to do here and all ready to move in!

CV $355,000

FOR SALE Mid $600,000’s VIEW Sunday 1.00 - 1.30pm ljhooker.co.nz/RPVGES CONTACT

Lynn Davies Masterton 94 Cole Street 0274 454 990 5

3

2

FOR SALE Mid $600,000’s VIEW Sunday 1.00 - 1.30pm ljhooker.co.nz/RPVGES

•

•

Irresistible features include: * A stunning new farm-style kitchen with sleek mod spacious living room overlooking picturesque g Robust Tenant ** AFive or so bedrooms - four being large doubles wi Selection Process* When you want to relax and read a book or just ha * Three bathrooms are conveniently located for all y * Heating is no problem with a new heat pump and Flat Management * Garaging is double with separate storage, and the

Fee

Sumptuous Westside Character Home!!!

Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

[

16 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

Gardens, lawns, beautiful aspects... restful decor... an i

Tucked away on a tranquil rear section, this expansive 220m2 Villa has had spectacular renovations carried out, turning this 1919 classic home into a fabulous, contemporary, family residence with huge appeal!!

Irresistible features include: * A stunning new farm-style kitchen with sleek modern-day convenience * A spacious living room overlooking picturesque gardens * Five or so bedrooms - four being large doubles with fab storage, the 5th is a cute single-cum-sunroom * When you want to relax and read a book or just have time out, the cosy library is an inviting room with French doors opening onto a private deck * Three bathrooms are conveniently located for all your family’s requirements. * Heating is no problem with a new heat pump and three log fires (one handily on a wet back). * Garaging is double with separate storage, and there’s great off-street parking for guests or extended family.

McHattie Realty Limited MREINZ 4 Renall Street, Masterton 06 378 8666

CONTACT

Lynn Davies 0274 454 990

Licensed under the RealLimited Estate Agents Act 2008Street, Masterton 06 378 8666 Archer McHattie 4 Renall Gardens, lawns, beautiful aspects... restful decor... an incredibly desirable locale, handy to schools, town, rail, and pretty much everything...

If you’re liking the sound of this gorgeous property, I recommend you view today before its too late!!

McHattie Realty Limited MREINZ 4 Renall Street, Masterton 06 378 8666

McHattie Realty Limited MREINZ 4 Renall Street, Masterton 06 378 8666

fabulous, contemporary, family residence with hug

Inspector

Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

David DavidAli

Ali Ben

David DavidAli

Ali Ben

BenJohn LynnLynn Mike Mike Blair SteveSteve Tira Tira

BenJohn LynnLynn Mike Mike Blair SteveSteve Tira Tira

Keith Tonya Bex Julie Karina

Keith Tonya Bex Julie Karina

Keith

Keith

ljhooker.co.nz ljhooker.co.nz

3.5

2

2

Masterton 151 Budd Road, Matahiwi FOR SALE Offers Over $595,000 VIEW

By Appointment ljhooker.co.nz/RRAGES CONTACT

Kevin (Ben) Hepburn 0274 555 782

MATAHIWI LIFESTYLE

2.2 hectares

This truly is an awesome location for a lifestyle property; very handy to Masterton and to the train, three minutes to great country schooling - yet very much country - on a quiet country road that even locals may not be aware of!

This lovely home is set on private grounds and has all sorts of established trees and shrubbery - including walnut, chestnut, and a huge oak tree siting majestically in the paddock out from the home, sheds, and paddock.

Set in a sunny position, the home is also very sheltered and has beautiful rural outlooks.

There are three bedrooms plus a large office (which could be used as a bedroom), large open plan lounge with wood-burner, and the kitchen is very functional with loads of storage.

Facilities on this property include a functional wool-shed, yards, and a deer handling shed, three bay implement shed, bike shed, chook house, garden sheds, and double garaging.

Picture youself..... Relaxing on the sunny deck, absorbing all that is wonderful about this serene property.

Solway Crescent, Masterton LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN WILD… !

FOR SALE

Option B: $680,000 + GST if any Option C: By Negotiation BEO $300,000 + GST if any VIEW

By Appointment ljhooker.co.nz/ RAXGES CONTACT

Kevin (Ben) Hepburn 0274 555 782 John Ritchie 021 848 297

… within the expansive grounds of the former Solstone Estate Winery, Solway, Masterton!

The complex combines two titles on the southern outskirts of Masterton with an array of buildings and land that oozes opportunity!!

Once a thriving boutique vineyard/entertainment venue combo, where locals and visitors sampled wine, dined, danced, whilst enjoying a venue basking in views over the prettily planted vineyard, the numerous buildings could now be adapted, developed, recreated for a diverse range of activities to suit your future. Consider: ** A rebirth of vineyard and restaurant? ** Converting the restaurant building into a sleek avant-garde residence, or contemporary office space? ** Education facility? ** Craft brewery? ** Cottage industry… or a blend of many!

We are offering this exciting property with three purchasing options: A The entire 9.65 hectares with all land/ buildings on 2 Titles B Western Block: Cottage, workshop/office/restaurant buildings on 4.006 hectares C Eastern Block: The former wine processing buildings with refrigerated cool store, plus other sheds on 5.91 hectares.

McHattie Realty Limited MREINZ 4 Renall Street, Masterton 06 378 8666 Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Just imagine...

Call Ben or John today for an information pack.

David DavidAli

Ali Ben

BenJohn LynnLynn Mike Mike Blair SteveSteve Tira Tira

Keith Tonya Bex Julie Karina

Keith

Smart moves [

17 ]

Loving

all that Masterton has to offer

Ex-Aucklanders Kevin and Jo Twiggins, and their three boys, have swapped a half share of 900 square metres in Auckland for five acres in Masterton.

Cottage Lane Authentic Artisan Breads are a range of quality bread which embody the flavours and textures of handcrafted breads.

They contain no artificial additives or preservatives.

Available in supermarkets Wellington wide and made in the Wairarapa!

[

18 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

In fact, if it wasn’t for visits to family and friends, Jo says she prefers not going back, not even for a short visit.

“Auckland is a great city, but we decided that we had the option to stay in a great spot, and the option to go to a great spot, and we chose the venturesome route,” says Jo. Adventurous because it meant packing up their belongings, and three small boys, and moving to the other end of the North Island.

“We had heard lots of great things about it [Masterton], but we still didn’t really know what to expect.”

What they got was a five acre lifestyle block on the edge of town in a warm, friendly community.

“Amazed” at the schooling options, facilities and shopping, Jo says one of the stand-outs is the local community.

“People in general seem to be very generous with their time and resources. I think that it is because people aren’t so stressed and hurried as what they

“

an hour and half commute out of town, plus it is still very expensive.

People in general seem to be very generous with their time and resources.

I think that it is because people aren’t so stressed and hurried as what they are maybe in a place like Auckland.

“

It’s been 18-months since Kevin and Joanne Twiggins moved from Auckland’s sunny North Shore to Masterton, and they couldn’t be happier.

are maybe in a place like Auckland,” she says. “We’re so grateful for all the people here who have helped us in so many ways.”

While it has been an incredibly smooth transition, Jo freely admits that having a job to go to certainly made a big difference.

A qualified and experienced chiropractor, she was offered a position at a busy chiropractic office in Masterton. While the job was a driver to moving, the lifestyle change was the big attraction.

“We always thought in Auckland it would be nice to own some land, but to do so you would have to live

“Now we live on five acres, as opposed to the half share of 900 square metres, which is a huge difference.”

Leaving behind Jo’s mum and dad - who lived close to them when back in Devonport - was not an easy decision, but it was through their encouragement to “take advantage of the opportunity”, that set the ball rolling. They visit via Palmerston North Airport every six weeks.

With their boys 7, 4 and 2 years old they have a busy household. Kevin is a landscape gardener, however has taken on the role of stay-home-dad.

“He is finding out how busy three kids are . . . it has been a big learning curve for him, and he loves it.”

Moving to Masterton raised a few eyebrows among their friends in Auckland, largely around a perceived lack of amenities, in particular schooling.

In reality, Jo says Masterton isn’t short of anything, there are so many schools to choose from, three supermarkets and lots of great places to eat too!

For families who are considering exiting the city, but are struggling with the thought of giving up on all of the trappings that cities have to offer, Jo says to look at it this way: “The thing to remember is that in most cases you only live mostly in your suburb anyway, and actually people pop over to Palmerston North or down to Wellington all the time, which is the same as an Aucklander going to Sylvia Park to go the mall which takes just as long.

TRINITY SCHOOLS - TOGETHER AS ONE

For our students we provide the opportunity to progress through our Masterton based family of schools, starting with Hadlow Preschool, then on to Hadlow Preparatory School (both co-educational). From Hadlow Preparatory School, the girls move on to St Matthew’s Collegiate and the boys attend Rathkeale College. Both secondary schools provide day pupil and boarding options.

In Years 12 and 13, the secondary schools combine to create co-educational classes offering a wider range of subject choices for senior students to reach their schooling potential. We welcome enquiries, school visits or enrolment applications at all year levels.

Hadlow Preschool www.hadlowpreschool.nz

Hadlow School www.hadlow.school.nz

St Matthew’s Collegiate www.stmatts.school.nz

Rathkeale College www.rathkeale.school.nz Smart moves [

19 ]

For Sale

Masterton | Masterton Stronvar Road

Price

Sections For Sale

Offers invited

(subject to survey)

Waitui Downs Prime Wainuioru Lifestyle Development. Three stunning lifestyle blocks 10 minutes east of Masterton. Three sunny house sites on gentle rolling land with panoramic valley views. Two of the blocks have beautiful lake views. | Property ID MA1296

By appointment

Contact

Lot 1: 4 hectares Lot 2: 1.3 hectares Lot 3: 2.3 hectares

Tim Falloon 027 449 2105

Masterton | 726 Te Whiti Road

Price

2.87 Hectares

Offers invited

An Impressive Family Home. Architecturally designed family home with breath taking views. Four large bedrooms (master with en suite and walk-in wardrobe), open-plan designer kitchen/dining/family area. Outdoor BBQ area and swimming pool. Office, three living areas and a balcony with views to the ranges. 3-bay implement shed, triple garaging, stock yards and paddocks. Private access to the Ruamahanga River. Only 7 minutes from Masterton. | Property ID MA1310

Inspection

Licensed under REAA 2008 [

Inspection

20 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

By appointment

Contact Ondy Herrick 027 271 7435

Lansdowne | 34 Jordan Terrace

Price

1,012m

Buyer enquiry over $550,000

On A Terrace Fit For Kings And Queens. Three bedroom family home with large open-plan lounge/dining, two double bedrooms, bathroom and games room, log burner and heat pump plus a games room and a wine cellar. Upstairs is the master bedroom with close access to the main bathroom plus there is the kitchen/dining area with a freestanding woodburner on wetback and ranch sliders out to a balcony. Sheltered spa pool and a private BBQ area plus a large double garage and plant nursery. | Property ID MA1307

Inspection

Masterton | 1033 Masterton Castlepoint Road

Price

8,422m

Offers invited

Renovated Country Charmer. Built in the late 1800s, this home and historic barn have had extensive work to bring them into the modern era. New open-plan kitchen with gas cooking and gas hot water, new flooring throughout and the bathroom has also been replaced with modern fixtures including a rain shower, large free standing bath and gas infinity system. Large deck, vegetable garden and a selection of fruit trees. The historic barn retains it’s original charm and features with plenty of storage space. | Property ID MA1311

Inspection

2

2

By appointment

Contact Rod Cranswick 027 436 5738 Nell Macdonald 027 252 5152

By appointment

Contact Damien Pivac 027 437 4822 Elizabeth Ralls 021 615 995

For Sale

Tora | Te Awaiti Road 995m2 Going... Going... You Had Better Be Quick - Awhea Coastal Development.

You will be in good company when you purchase your piece of this unique development with eight sections sold already and three more under contract. These great coastal sections lie 40 minutes east of the wine capital, Martinborough on the Tora Coast.

Price By negotiation

Inspection

If the Tora Coast appeals to you, whether scuba diving, surfing, crayfishing, wet fishing, or simply just enjoying this tranquil setting, reading your book or a quiet beach walk, you had better get your skates on because there is currently a lot of interest.

By appointment

This development has a sealed road, community effluent system, and broadband.

Rod Cranswick 027 436 5738

Contact

As part of your purchase you will enjoy owning 1/24 of the 41 hectare QE2 Covenant on the hill at the rear of the sections. There will be no further sections in this development, and you can never be built out. | Property ID MA1259

Licensed under REAA 2008 Smart moves [

21 ]

jackpot

No lottery ticket required for this

New recruits to Masterton, Anita and Phan with kids Amelia and Leo (and dog Bronx).

Thinking of Selling or buying?

Contact our expert team of locals.

• • • • •

Experienced in rural sales, experienced in farming Local knowledge with honest sound advice Sheep, beef, dairy, deer, arable, horticulture Lifestyle or run-off blocks We know the Wairarapa - we know the rural industry

Contact us today for a confidential chat. www.pggwre.co.nz [

22 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

Bevan Edwards

M 027 204 2895 | B 06 370 1889 bevan.edwards@pggwrightson.co.nz

John Murray

M 027 493 3759 | B 06 377 5181 john.murray@pggwrightson.co.nz

Gary Scott

M 0274 844 933 | B 06 370 1867 gscott@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

Helping grow the country

It’s often said that first impressions count. For Anita Wilkie and her husband Phan the old adage is bang on.

The former Aucklanders chanced on Masterton 12-months ago when holidaying. So enamoured with the town they acted on their instincts, upped sticks and moved south.

The decision, albeit it a little impulsive, has been life changing.

“Seriously, we feel like we have hit the jackpot,” Anita says.

Growing up in Devonport, Anita never envisaged living anywhere other than Auckland.

“If someone had said to us 18-months ago that you are going to move out of Auckland, down to Wairarapa, I would have laughed.”

Conditioned to the big city way of life, the couple and their two small children - owned their own home in the semi-rural north west.

Phan, who works in IT, was earning good money in the city, but as a one-income family it was very difficult and stressful to service the mortgage, whilst still being able to enjoy life.

A 90-minute commute each way to work for Phan was also taking its toll, leaving only really the weekends to spend time with the kids.

“It was becoming so stressful, and there seemed no end in sight.”

They borrowed Anita’s dad’s campervan last summer for a much needed holiday and happened upon Masterton. The appeal was instant, and sealed by a night at “the stunningly beautiful Castlepoint”.

“We had a look at real estate prices and thought what are we doing. We are paying all of this money to live in this big city (Auckland) that is really offering us nothing when we could have a such a more relaxed lifestyle (in Masterton).”

So determined to make the move a reality, they resigned themselves to the fact that Phan would probably have to commute to Wellington for work.

They thought “that will be okay”, but within a couple of weeks of shifting Phan was offered a job in Masterton. Now travel time to work is less than five minutes.

“For the first six months we would look at each other and say, ‘hey, what do we miss about living in Auckland, or do you having any regrets’? Literally, there is nothing.”

“I think when you live in Auckland you don’t realise how stressful it is until you leave. And then when you leave it is a huge weight off your shoulders. Simple things like going to the supermarket in Auckland is so stressful because of all the traffic - you have to plan in advance before you go anywhere or do anything.”

Both have friends and family still in Auckland.

FaceTime keeps them up to date with friends while time with family is only a short flight away.

“Flying out of Palmy to Auckland is no problem - it is such an easy drive.”

A couple of friends who have visited also think the place is fantastic, with one couple soon to join them.

Anita says making new friends has been really easy, with people “so welcoming”.

“It has been such an easy transition, I still can’t really believe it.”

A trip out to Castlepoint, east of Masterton, helped seal the deal for Anita and Phan.

Smart moves [

23 ]

a big lure

Business opportunities

Warwick and Sarah Delmonte bring an impressive skill set to the Masterton retail scene. [ 24 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

Lifestyle and housing affordability are not the only drivers for people wanting to swap the city for the provinces, business opportunity is also a big draw card.

It carried major sway for Warwick and Sarah Delmonte when they mulled over the idea of exiting Auckland.

In Masterton they saw a town and region that is on the move, as well as many other positives that would make it a “fantastic place” to raise their two primary school-aged children.

For them, the immediate business opportunity was an established Paper Plus franchise, a venture that they have embraced, despite limited experience in retail.

Both from a corporate background, Warwick and Sarah bring an impressive skill-set to the Masterton retail scene. Warwick worked for 36-years in advertising, and Sarah carved out a career in marketing. Their energy and creative ideas are having a positive impact on the big team of staff at the book and stationary store, according to long-time employee Sue Reid.

“We’ve made a few changes within the store but we also have a lot of ideas which are external to our shop, in the hope that they will not only help us but the rest of the retail community within the town,” Warwick says.

He says there is no question that Masterton has many wonderful physical attributes and it is a beautiful part of the world, but what is really significant is that there are opportunities here.

“The bottom line is, this region is growing - not all provinces can claim that. This in itself is creating a lot of good reasons for people to move here.”

Front of mind for them are questions around schooling, internet services, is there an infrastructure which supports business, is there a willingness by the council to support new innovation, he says.

the jury is still out on some things, he is really encouraged by plans that the local council are proposing around redevelopment of the CBD. Another big attraction for Masterton is its proximity to Wellington, says Sarah.

“People are having careers for longer, they are retiring later. Masterton has an advantage in that it has easy access to Wellington and good internet connections, so you can actually still have a career and have the lifestyle as well - you can have the best of both worlds.”

For young families, lifestyle is really relevant, Warwick says.

People our age and younger are acknowledging and pursuing ‘quality of life’ like no other generation before us. My parents were not as expansive in their ambitions for life. They and their peers tended to stay in the same job, the same house, in the same town or region for longer, if not for life! I think today’s generation is a bit different and are more conscious of the way they live and how they can improve it.”

A big fan of Auckland, Warwick has no regrets about leaving the city he was born in.

“Auckland is a beautiful city, there is much to do, much to see, much to experience and many ways to earn a living, which is why I guess a third of our population live there. But, there are drawbacks, which I think most people can guess at.”

The fact is, life in the provinces is “easier”, he says.

“It’s easier to get to work, easier to get to school, easier to deal with customers, easier to find your accountant and lawyer. You get to know these people on a far more personal level, you are not a number, you are part of the community.”

Another stand out feature of Masterton is the “share weight of facilities”, a surprising aspect given the population is only 25,000.

“The schools, the parks, the cinemas, theatre, a wonderful gallery, the many council sponsored events, the nearby beaches, the wine, the cafes, the sporting facilities, the variety of shopping and of course the house prices… the vast majority of Aucklanders simply aren’t aware of what awaits them in Masterton and the greater Wairarapa region.

“Friends and family come down from Auckland and they are blown away - they just had no idea.”

Masterton is ticking a lot of the boxes, and while

Smart moves [

25 ]

Carolyn Collier Lifestyle Specialist

WAIRARAPA Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

carolync@pb.co.nz

Tranquil retreat on Willow Park

MASTERTON 116 Willow Park Drive

Nestled in the prestigious Willow Park Drive, only minutes drive from Masterton, you will discover this gem. From the moment you drive through the gates you get a sense of tranquillity, sanctuary and peace, you know this is a place to make some magical memories. This 280sqm home is situated on 1.02 hectares of mature native gardens. Boasting 4 bedrooms (master with ensuite), multiple living areas, study nook, abundance of natural light flowing in and a vast amount of storage. Internal access garage with

WEB ID ML60506 toilet, 2 wood burners for those cooler nights, covered outdoor entertaining deck and swimming pool making this a wonderful family home. Explore the outdoors, walk through the enchanted pathways, sit in the relaxing garden rooms and explore everything this property has to offer, you will feel as if you have been transported to another place. Call me today to view your future

www.propertybrokers.co.nz [

26 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

DEADLINE SALE

DEADLINE SALE closes Wednesday 21st March, 2018 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Ltd, 84 Chapel Street, Masterton

4 Carolyn Collier

Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512 carolync@pb.co.nz

2 2

Carolyn Collier Lifestyle Specialist

WAIRARAPA Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

carolync@pb.co.nz

Willow Park wonder

OPEN HOME

MASTERTON 16D Willow Park Drive

Located in the prestigious Willow Park Drive surrounded by mature native trees, singing birds and the crisp country air sits this 251sqm home. From the moment you see this gorgeous property you can't help but smile and get the feeling of being home. This home has all you need, 4 bedrooms (master with ensuite and walk in wardrobe), double glazing throughout, study nook, plenty of storage, an abundance of natural light, generous family bathroom, double garaging with internal access . Entertaining family and friends is a

WEB ID ML59949 breeze with open plan kitchen/ living and dining rooms and a wraparound patio which looks over the manicured gardens and Tararua Ranges. The Metro log burner is perfect for you to curl up with a cuppa in front of on those cooler nights. Vegetable garden, work shed and gum trees, planted for fire wood, round out this 1.19 hectare Willow Park wonder. Only minutes from Masterton's township and renowned schooling, this property is in a prime and well sought after location.

DEADLINE SALE

DEADLINE SALE closes Wednesday 21st February, 2018 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Ltd, 84 Chapel Street, Masterton

4 2

Carolyn Collier

Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512 carolync@pb.co.nz

2

www.propertybrokers.co.nz Smart moves [

27 ]

Carolyn Collier Lifestyle Specialist

WAIRARAPA Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

carolync@pb.co.nz

Prestigious Lochliddy Estate

MASTERTON 392E Black Rock Road

392E Black Rock Road, located up the prestigious Lochliddy Estate, one of Masterton's most sought after lifestyle locations is on the market. Surrounded by native trees, the Wairarapa Plains and breath taking views of the Tararua Ranges, this 273m2 home, architecturally designed by John Sutherland, is situated on 3.66 hectares of land which is in prime location to relax and take in the scenery. Natural light, open plan living, fabulous layout, double garage, wrap around deck and an amazing master suite, this property is just

WEB ID ML59213 what you have been looking for. Whether you in the kitchen preparing that Sunday roast or out on the deck cooking that summer BBQ you will not be disappointed by the spectacular views and sublime sunsets. Park like grounds which are easily maintained, an orchard was put in 2016 and large well fenced paddock for horses or stock. Only 10 minutes from Masterton you have the best of lifestyle living with the efficiency of town amenities. Call me today.

www.propertybrokers.co.nz [

28 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

$940,000

4 Carolyn Collier

Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512 carolync@pb.co.nz

2 2

Carolyn Collier Lifestyle Specialist

WAIRARAPA Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

carolync@pb.co.nz

Motivated vendor wants action

OPEN HOME

MASTERTON 1158 State Highway 2

Family home or entertainers dream - this property is for you. Situated on the fringe of Masterton, just a 10 minute drive into town, this 3.80 hectare lifestyle property truly is what you are looking for. Centrally located on the property this 232m2 home provides you with tranquillity, peace and a sense of relaxation.

The living areas are spacious with the conservatory and deck off the kitchen offering you plenty of space, perfect for entertaining in any season. 3 double

WEB ID ML58980

BY NEGOTIATION

bedrooms, (master has a walk through wardrobe and ensuite), and a possible 4th bedroom which is located in the garden studio.

A mud/ utility room, DVS system, heat pump and double garaging with internal access are just some of the features of this home. There are two 3 bay barns, workshop and extensive cattle yards, as well as access to the Ruamahunga River. Call me today to book your viewing.

4 2

Carolyn Collier

Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512 carolync@pb.co.nz

2

www.propertybrokers.co.nz Smart moves [

29 ]

Carolyn Collier Lifestyle Specialist

WAIRARAPA Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

carolync@pb.co.nz

"The Landing" wedding venue

MASTERTON 35B Pokohiwi Road

Elegance, sanctuary, romantic and perfection are only some of the ways to describe The Landing. Not only is this a beautiful home but it is a very successful business. This very special property has the ability to transform any function into a memory that will last forever. The Landing has a reputation second to none for its stunning weddings, breath taking views and is booked out year to year. The permanent marquee covered in vines gives the venue a sense of quality and style. The catering kitchen is fully equipped for the

WEB ID ML60520 chefs and catering team to make a mouth watering feast for you and your guests. Walk outside and be wowed by the elegant archway, mysterious doors into the vineyard and mature gardens to make this the magical day you have dreamed of. This magnificent 360sqm home boasts 5 large bedrooms (3 with ensuites), multiple living and sitting areas, open log burner, superb kitchen and abundance of natural light making this a wonderful home.

www.propertybrokers.co.nz [

30 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

BY NEGOTIATION

Carolyn Collier

Mobile 027 437 9513 Office 06 929 7512 carolync@pb.co.nz

5 5

Graeme Sawyer AREINZ Sold on Masterton

MASTERTON Mobile 027 544 6884 Office 06 370 0701 Home 06 370 3424 graemes@pb.co.nz

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Discover a hidden gem!

WEB ID MU60399

MASTERTON 9 Roger Renall Avenue Executive living at its best with all the bells and whistles epitomises this gorgeous 3/4 bedroom fully insulated and double glazed home with views to the Tararuas.

Hidden away on a back section for the utmost privacy this low maintenance home is the ultimate in suburban living offering charm, personality and comfort of the highest order. A dream chefs kitchen with scullery, 2 living areas, double internal access garaging with massive roof storage, ducted central heating and a beautiful glass covered west facing terrace with the

living areas flowing nicely for those wonderful alfresco dining occasions with friends and family. Simply move in and feel immediately at home in this cosy warm home in a wonderful location.

DEADLINE SALE

DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 15th March, 2018 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Ltd, 84 Chapel Street, Masterton

4 Graeme Sawyer AREINZ

Mobile 027 544 6884 Office 06 370 0701 Home 06 370 3424 graemes@pb.co.nz

2 2

In pursuit of excellence

WEB ID MU60457

MASTERTON 16 Tankersley Street We're onto something special and when you view this wonderful home in one of Masterton's finest locales you will simply have to own it. This substantial executive style contemporary 3 bedroom plus study home nestled on a beautifully landscaped 803m2 easy care garden. The spacious lounge and dining rooms interlink for easy relaxed entertaining together with great indoor/outdoor flow for that alfresco summer dining on the deck with views to the Tararuas. Offering all the modern conveniences of a gas logfire, 2 heat

pumps and a very functional chefs kitchen with all the functionality you desire, two bathrooms, a family room with a separate formal lounge, double internal access garaging. This gorgeous home is truly something special with many great features, too numerous to mention. A short easy stroll will find you ready to "T" off on the No.1 hole of the Masterton Golf Club just around the corner.

DEADLINE SALE

DEADLINE SALE closes Wednesday 14th March, 2018 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Ltd, 84 Chapel Street, Masterton

3 Graeme Sawyer AREINZ

Mobile 027 544 6884 Office 06 370 0701 Home 06 370 3424 graemes@pb.co.nz

2 2

www.propertybrokers.co.nz Smart moves [

31 ]

MASTERTON 84 Chapel Street MASTERTON masterton@pb.co.nz 06 370 0701

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Hidden treasure

WEB ID MU60216 MASTERTON 75 South Belt You will fall in love with this delightful, easy care home from the moment you walk down the drive. The light, open plan living area combines living, dining and stylish kitchen. Heated by a wood burner on wetback, insulated top and bottom and sited for winter sun, it is a welcoming space. The generous upgraded bathroom and two double bedrooms and a single complete the home, but here's a surprise - there is a large permitted sleep out, which offers you space for an independent teenager, guests, hobby room or man cave. It is attached to the rear of the generous double garage.

Classic villa on Essex

BY NEGOTIATION

3 Donna Dawson

Mobile 027 243 6775 Office 06 378 6131 Home 06 377 0870 donnad@pb.co.nz

1 2

Why build, Buy now!!

WEB ID MU60351 MASTERTON 20 Gimson Street Why wait at least 12 months with the hassle and complications of building a new home when you can buy now and move in a few weeks.This near new home is expertly designed with a fantastic layout and excellent indoor outdoor flow. Two separate lounges, double garage, four bedrooms and two bathrooms, this home will cater for all your needs. The large backyard is fully fenced, private and new enough to make your own. Located in the sought after location of Gimson Street this home is perfect for a growing family, professionals or retiring farmers. At this price it won't last long so get in quick.

32 ] www.mymasterton.co.nz

BY NEGOTIATION

4 Graeme Sawyer AREINZ

Mobile 027 544 6884 Office 06 370 0701 Home 06 370 3424 graemes@pb.co.nz

2 1

An investment to make you purr...

BUYERS $545,000+

Dave Stephenson

Mobile 022 097 0143 Office 06 390 0002 daves@pb.co.nz

WEB ID NC60463 MASTERTON 3 Albert Street If you're into a passive stable income for retirement or security then you can't get a safer bet than this right now.

2

With more traffic that you can throw a road cone at, you are sure to get the prime frontage and high profile exposure. A fantastic opportunity with no work to be done and a high NBS rating, this makes it a great family trust investment. Passive net income of over $192,000 you are sure to gain a great return on this property.

2

Just across the road from McDonald's and Burger King naturally this is prime real estate.

4

www.propertybrokers.co.nz [

WEB ID MU59971 MASTERTON 60 Essex Street Nestled amongst mature native trees, this 1920's character home has everything you desire. Classic elegant decor, modern chef's kitchen with scullery, abundance of natural light, indoor outdoor flow which makes entertaining a breeze and with relaxing around the inground saltwater solar heated pool, you can't help but be impressed by this 1497m2 property. This home truly is something special. Whether it's a summer BBQ on the deck, pool parties with family and friends or curling up in front of the logburner with a warm cuppa, you can't go wrong.

BY NEGOTIATION

Sebastian Nilsson

Mobile 027 843 6266 sebastian@pb.co.nz

Lawrence Cheetham

Mobile 027 463 4144 Office 06 378 0620 Home 06 370 4595 lawrence@pb.co.nz