Wairarapa Midweek Wed 26th Oct

Marking a milestone

MARY ARGUE mary.argue@age.co.nz

Featherston’s Fareham Creative Space burst with even more colour and creativity than usual in celebration of a one-year anniversary.

The hidden gem on Underhill Rd marked the milestone on October 15 with a public exhibition and artist showcase that stretched across multiple buildings and media.

Fareham Creative Space [FCS] trust chair Claire Bleakley said it was an “amazing day”

especially as there was a time when they thought they would not make it.

“In January, we sat down and thought we would have to close. As soon as covid lifted we could suddenly get the people and the tutors.

“I’m proud to say we never closed the doors. Everything you see here and everything that comes out of this space reflects the community and how it has come together.”

The creative space, attached to the now private residence Continued on Pg 3

The right art space to be creative

at Fareham House, started offering tutoring and art workshops last year with the help of a Ministry for Culture and Heritage grant.

Bleakley said the focus was on diverse communities and social inclusion, creating a space “where art seeks to enhance wellbeing”.

“Our tutors and outreach coordinators have worked tirelessly over the year to make this space a welcoming and thriving artistic jewel for Pae tu mokai [Featherston].”

She said that, with two years of funding remaining and momentum building, the vision was to expand, increasing the number of workshops and tutors.

“At the moment we are open two days a week. The next stage would be to open more days.

“We have upgraded the spaces and with raised funds we have sourced kilns, so we will be able to get the pottery workshops up and running.”

Bleakley said the tutors ran multiple workshops on the open day, including pottery and felting demonstrations, and two spaces were dedicated to

an iti board art exhibition, divided into under-16 and adult galleries.

She said the team had received a huge amount of positive feedback from parents of young iti board artists.

“Some of the boards on display were from children who were academically challenged.

“We had parents say to us ‘our child has changed since he has been able to do this.’

“Being in a new space where you can create what you want and draw what you want to draw is the difference.

“It just shows that there is a need, and it is being met by us.”

FCS board member and event manager Julie Lewis said showcasing so much talent and artwork for the open was a big undertaking.

“It was hard work, but I’m pleased we did it.”

Before the Ministry grant there were many people toiling in the background at Fareham running courses and sharing their skills, but the funding had taken operations to another level.

“It has really developed in the last year. We used to have one or two tutors there to make three people in a class, and now we’re filling courses and catering to different levels.”

Lewis said workshops were now consistently oversubscribed, with the low entry point increasing accessibility.

“Our basic courses are $20, so people can come and try, and they’re with tutors who know what they’re doing.

“We have amazing people like Taralee [Freeman] who is right into World of Wearable Arts.”

She said about 25 per cent of the iti boards sold on the open day, but the exhibition would remain open for longer.

“You can still go and view them, we just ask that people contact us beforehand.”

• Fareham Creative Space will be running weekend workshops throughout November and December including, puppetry, crochet, contemporary dance, macramé, and life drawing.

Businesses step up support

More than 80 Wairarapa businesses swung into action this year to support a cause that cuts close to home for many.

Wairarapa Cancer Society centre manager Amber Arkell said the response from Wairarapa businesses to help promote Daffodil Day was humbling.

“Money from local businesses supported the Daffodil Day campaign. It was just incredible to see the response – a six-page feature, supported by 82 businesses.

“It just reinforces that cancer is in everybody’s life. It’s very humbling.”

Arkell said the Cancer Society did not receive government funding and

relied upon campaigns such as Daffodil Day to continue to provide services.

“What is raised locally, stays local. People should feel like their money is being appreciated and put to good use.”

Times-Age commercial manager Andrea Hay said the team was appreciative of the 82 Wairarapa businesses that supported the Wairarapa Cancer Society in the feature published to promote Daffodil Day.

“We are delighted to continue to support this appeal. The Wairarapa Cancer Society provides an exceptional service in our community,” she said

Times-Age commercial manager Andrea Hay and Wairarapa Cancer Society centre manager Amber Arkell.

PHOTO/MARY ARGUE

Art tutors

Taralee Freeman and Steff Willmore.

PHOTO/MARY ARGUE

Above and left below: Iti board art exhibition currently on display at Fareham Creative Space.

PHOTOS/MARY ARGUE

People experiencing mental health issues are sometimes labelled as ‘sick’, ‘broken’, or ‘mad’, but peer support recognises those labels don’t tell the full story.

Emerge Aotearoa’s Piki Peer Support programme wants to change the way we talk about mental health in young people, by using more unconventional methods of social care.

Piki service manager, Hope Sexton, says intentional peer support differs from clinical care.

“In the sense that our peer supporters have been trying to use their own lived experience to help others, rather than learning and studying from a clinical point of view, which then entails a more personal connection between the peer and the peer supporter,” she said.

In the 2014 memoir, Madness Made Me, PeerZone founder Mary O’Hagan lists diagnostic labels, windowless psychiatric wards and sedative prescriptions

as some of the ways traditional healthcare providers treated people battling mental illness.

Sexton said clinical care approaches to mental health care can come with dangers as issues can’t be addressed in a personal way.

“Our peers sometimes don’t feel validated, and they feel like they’re a stand-alone issue with what they’re dealing with,” she said.

“It’s very much based on how your brain works, how your hormones work, and when you’re struggling mentally, [the clinical approach] is not something that can be exactly helpful because it can be too much to process.”

Intentional Peer Support (IPS) is a service peers can sign up for themselves.

IPS maintains mental health as a conversation, not a consult, by referring to peers as peers, not patients, and replacing phrases like “what’s wrong?” with “what happened?”.

In the past four years, Wairarapa has taken on 50 referrals with two peer supporters, including Hope.

Featherston resident, Skyla, 22, approached the service for help in handling grief following

her grandma’s cancer diagnosis.

Skyla says with Piki, peers meet in the middle with people they like.

“You don’t constantly feel like you’re being analysed by a professional,” she said.

“It’s just having a chat with a friend.

“I’ve met my peer supporters at the beach, I’ve met them for coffee, just anywhere that’s comfortable, casual.

“They’re really good at working with me and where I’m at.”

One of the ways peer supporters reframe tough chats is by taking the fear out of their responses.

mates

When a person says they feel ‘scared’, ‘weird’, or even suicidal, it is the role of the supporter to sit with them in their feelings and not run to quick fixes.

Sexton says she went through a traumatic experience in the year leading to her role as a peer supporter.

“I really struggled for a long time and I just felt that peer support was what I needed in that time of need,” she said.

“And so that’s what my care is based on, just having that person alongside you when times are hard, and to be validated in your feelings.”

Since starting with Piki,

Skyla noticed changes in the way she communicates with friends and family by way of listening and not always having an answer.

“I’ve definitely had moments with peer support where they didn’t have an answer for everything, but they were still there.

“That’s the one thing that I’ve taken away, is that you can still be helpful without always knowing the answers or how to help.”

At first, Wairarapa DHB was sceptical when peer support was launched in 2019.

Sexton said Piki’s flyers

hadn’t been taken out of their storage cupboard until a year after the programme had been launched.

“I had to work quite hard and really give them a perspective from personal experience,” she said.

“Then the relationship started to really build. So I’m thankful for that.

“We’ve seen a big intake in referrals from [Wairarapa DHB] … in all the feedback that they’re receiving from peers that they’re seeing as well as being referred to us is that it’s working, it’s great.”

A former peer said they appreciated that their peer supporter had stayed by their side, even after their circumstances began to improve.

“So different from the usual DHB approach of ditching clients as soon as they are a little bit better.

“Knowing she was there added some security for me to stop worrying about ‘what if’ and focus on recovery and trying new things.”

Peer supporters conduct fortnightly co-reflections, almost like group therapy, so they can look after themselves alongside their peers.

• For more information, visit www.piki.org.nz

Greytown gets gold

HELEN HOLT helen.holt@age.co.nz

Greytown Butchery is beefing up its trophy cabinet after the New Zealand Top Sausage competition.

The butchery was awarded gold for the Beef flavoured sausage in the flavoured category.

Owner Gavin Green said it was exciting to win.

“It’s a bit of fun. We always try to see if we can get the supreme award.”

The butchery has been a frequent winner over the years.

“We’ve won gold for our beef sausage 12 times since 2006. We’ve also got gold in a multitude of other categories for our sausages.”

He said the secret to a good sausage was good quality meat.

“Don’t put too much fat or crap in it, just quality meat.”

Masterton’s Homegrown Butcher, Deli and Pantry also took a silver award in the traditional category for its Pork and Watercress sausage.

The supreme sausage award was tied between

New World Te Rapa’s pork sausage and Zaroa Meats’ Aoraki Salami. The judges said they couldn’t split one sausage from the other, so crowned both as joint winners.

Judge Greig Buckley of Kai Foods said they were looking for well-made sausages with the right combination of quality ingredients that would appeal to the market.

“All entries are judged on their aroma – both raw and cooked – appearance, texture and finally the most important – the taste. The joint winners

had it all and should be very proud of the products they have produced.”

Wellington butchers also won big, with Cameron Harrison butchery taking out three silver medals, a gold and a bronze, and Lower Hutt’s Hardy St Quality Meats took a silver medal.

The Great New Zealand Sausage competition has been running for 25 years. There were more than 530 entries from 93 producers, with hopes the humble, classic Kiwi sausage will push the boundaries of flavour and innovation.

Featherweight

Pukaha National Wildlife Centre welcomed a new baby kiwi last week. It is a North Island Brown Kiwi and has a few white feathers, including some on its head. A Pukaha spokesperson said it weighed 285 grams which was the “perfect weight for a baby kiwi”. They said it was doing very well and was eating by itself.

Summer Hummer is making a comeback to Masterton after a 2017 revival followed by the covid-19 pandemic.

The festival planned for Saturday, December 3 at Queen Elizabeth Park’s sports ground is set to be headlined by Auckland rapper Kings, who has over 22 million streams on his hit-song 6 Figures.

Kings emerged on the music scene in 2016, with his single Don’t Worry ‘Bout It.

The track went on to become the biggest local release of the year, selling triple platinum and breaking the record

for the longest-running number-one song on the New Zealand Singles Chart by spending 33 weeks at the top.

The record was previously held by Lorde.

Festival organisers said Kings would be joined by Wellington act Tin Palace and Wairarapa bands –Deluxe Edition, Sinner Man Saint, Captivated and Dragonfly, and local beatboxer, Maceo Field.

Summer Hummer was first launched in 1997 by former Masterton Mayor Bob Francis.

The concert drew in crowds of 10,000 and was an event for all members of the community and attracted bands including

Australian band Hunters and Collectors, The Feelers, and Che-Fu.

The Wairarapa TimesAge reported in February 1999 that Dave Dobbin had headlined the festival, only costing $1.

“People got to their feet and danced and bodysurfed throughout his more energetic songs, with a mellow feeling taking over during the softer ones.”

Francis and new Masterton councillor Stella Lennox were driving the relaunch of the festival alongside organisers Te Hapori Skatepark Group and Friends of Queen Elizabeth Park.

Organisers said Trust House Foundation had

made a substantial contribution to this year’s revival and hoped the festival would once again become an annual fixture.

Lennox said she had a lot of great memories from past festivals and was excited to see Summer Hummer return.

“I was a teenager, and I remember coming back from Wellington for them. A few years ago we had Lady Hawke [Pip Brown] headline and she talked about the influence Summer Hummer had on her as a young girl.”

She said she and Francis wanted to have an opening for the skatepark with a few bands, but ended up deciding to bring back

Summer Hummer.

The Wairarapa Times-Age reported six arrests ranging from breach of the peace to assault and trespass at the 1999 concert.

In the 13 years since Francis launched the festival in 1997, the event attracted some of the best bands in New Zealand including The Feelers, Zed, Fur Patrol, Goodshirt, Dave Dobbyn, Scribe, and Mutton Birds.

By the early 2010s however, enthusiasm for organising Summer Hummer had faded and it went into hiatus.

over the last few years and the cancellation of many special events within the region.

“That is why we have been so keen to re-launch Summer Hummer and give families and young people a chance to come together for an event that we know from past experiences gets the community really excited.”

Muttonbirds

Dave Dobbyn performing at Summer Hummer in 1998 PHOTOS/ WAIRARAPA ARCHIVE

Grace Prior

Hunters and Collectors in 1997.

Five Rivers Medical has its first birthday, celebrating one year of providing a wide range of health services to the South Wairarapa community.

To help celebrate, the Five Rivers is having an open day this Saturday. The community can take a tour of the facility and see the range of health and wellbeing services available. Visitors will also have the chance to meet the providers, and chat with staff.

The Greytown Rail Trail Trust will be firing up the BBQ, and free health checks, giveaways, and entertainment for the kids, including face painting and animal balloons will be on offer.

Five Rivers Medical brings together medical services, wellness facilities and treatments under one roof, including Greytown Medical Centre,

lab services [such as blood tests], ultrasound, ear care, a fitness centre, physio, nursing services, and pre and postoperative specialist care. There is also a new DEXA [bone density] scanner.

Five Rivers works with Tū Ora Compass Health, Health NZ Te Whatu Ora, and existing medical specialists. It is also the local base for Wellington Free Ambulance.

Tū Ora Compass Health general manager Mabli Jones says the one-year anniversary was a great opportunity to showcase Five Rivers and its services.

“The vision for the centre was always that it would be an integrated health and wellbeing hub for the South Wairarapa bringing services closer to peoples’ homes.”

Greytown Medical Centre practise manager Kim Teofilo said having

everything under the one roof meant residents could access a range of health services quickly and conveniently.

“So if you had an appointment with the doctor, and you needed a scan or ultrasound, you can get the appointment organised before you’ve even left the building. And it happens right here, eliminating the need to head over to Wellington.

“It’s a real game changer for South Wairarapa.”

Local farming family Shane and Lynnette McManaway, who funded the project, were thrilled to have reached the one-year milestone, and have the opportunity to celebrate with the community.

“With the facility now operational, we can provide a

much wider array of healthcare options for our community, which is something Lynnette and I are extremely passionate about,” Shane McManaway said.

“It will be wonderful to open up the facility so everyone can see for everyone to see, to meet the fantastic staff, and hear about the exciting new things we’ve got in store.”

The name Five Rivers references the Tauherenikau, Waiohine, Waingawa, Waipoua and Ruamahanga rivers which run through Wairarapa.

• The Open Day will start with speeches from medical professionals, iwi, and dignitaries, before opening to the public from 10.30ammidday.

Five Rivers Medical Facility is celebrating its first anniversary this Saturday.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Avocados

New stock has just arrived and we have both A & B types required for improved pollination.

Avocado trees start to produce fruit after approx. 3 years and each year the number of fruit should increase. The fruit should be ready to pick between 10 and 18 months after fruit set (depending on variety).

The sooner you get yours planted the sooner you’ll be eating home grown avocados. We have:

HASS ˜A°: The most common variety with large crops of fruit that ripen September—March and turn purple/black when ripe.

REED ˜A°: You can expect large fruit that stays green and weighs around 400g and ripens from December—April.

BACON ˜B°: This variety has a good cold tolerance and produces high yields between July— September. The fruit stays green when ripe.

FUERTE ˜B°: The original high quality Californian variety that has good cold tolerance and stays green when ripening from October—March.

PLANTING TIPS:

• Avocados need full sun, protection from wind & well drained soil

• Be careful with their sensitive roots

• DON’T add fertiliser into the hole at planting time as it can be too strong for their roots

• DO add a stake at planting time so you don’t disturb the roots later

• Position the tree in the planting hole so that most of the branches & leaves are facing the sun to protect against sunburn

ONGOING CARE

It’s best to deeply water avocados (maybe once a week in warmer months) and then leave to dry out—overwatering can cause problems

When the plants are established feed little and often from early spring to late summer. A fertiliser with an N:P:K: near 12:5:10 is best—our ican Fruit Food is a good choice.

picked, home grown fruit year round.

include: Meyer Lemons, Encore Mandarins, Washington Navel Oranges, Seminole Tangelos & Golden Special Grapefruit.

Roses

The roses have burst into life here and they’re looking lush. It won’t be long and they’ll be smothered in blooms (a few already are).

We have bush roses, climbers, miniature and carpet types in our rose area as well as a ‘special display’ in the rain cover area called Chameleon. Chameleon is a easy to grow patio rose that has something special about it. Just as the name suggests the ˛ ower changes colour as the blooms age.

It starts with a bright yellow bud then goes through di˝ erent tones of yellow, red, pink and ÿ nally rosy pink & white petals.

Everlasting Flowers For Indoors

We are proud to stock ‘fake ˛ owers’ that don’t look fake at all from Artisan Florals (formerly Green Sets).

Artisan Florals specialise in realistic faux ˛ owers, foliage, greenery & beautiful crafted ceramic vessels.

Not only do they supply exquisite products, they are also committed to supporting Ronald McDonald House, RAW & KidsCan NZ.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a versatile, hardy plant and are a great way of ÿ lling

a garden that’s partly in the shade.

There are things you can do for your hydrangeas to enhance their colour, some things to remember are:

• White hydrangeas will always be white (and not able to turn pink or blue) but a feed with°sulphate of potash°2-3 times per year from late spring will stop them fading to green.

• Red varieties should stay red in any soil

• Pink hydrangeas can be kept pink in soils that are alkaline (high ph) by adding°lime

• Blue hydrangeas must be capable of being blue and grow in an acidic (low ph) soil that contains aluminum. Add°aluminum sulphate

• Purple hydrangeas need acidic soils with high concentrations of aluminum.

Tuxedo Hydrangeas

We have just received ‘Tuxedo’ Hydrangeas. These will make an interesting addition to your garden or pots with large, almost black leaves and huge mophead blooms.

Tuxedo hydrangeas remain in a nice compact mound growing to only 1m x 1m and can be kept indoors while they’re blooming, grown in pots and their blooms make wonderful cut ˛ owers.

Bonsai Plants & Pots

If you’re looking for an unforgettable gift idea, a Bonsai (or a voucher for a Bonsai) would be extremely special.

Learn more about this incredible art by joining the Wairarapa Bonsai Club every third Sunday at 1.30pm, in the GardenBarn sta˝ room. For more info contact Bob, 06 377-1808 or email bobmac@infogen.net.nz.

Proteas – The Hot & Dry Solution

Red & Pink Tuxedo Hydrangeas with interesting foliage & huge blooms would be great for

HERE’S

If you have an area in your garden that gets hot & dry, is exposed to salty wind and has poor soil then Proteas would be a good choice. Their striking ˛ owers have the WOW factor and another bonus is that they attract native birds such as tui and bellbirds.

Astrantia (or Masterwort)

are popular with ˛ orists for the long lasting star shaped ˛ owers. These will grow best in place that has part shade and rich moist soil.

Centaurea are a type

Potentilla has double red

in pot "Due to the

SWAN PLANTS

The monarchs will start ˛ uttering around soon and wouldn’t it be nice for them to have a sanctuary at your place. Watching the lifecycle of these beautiful creatures is intriguing for young and old alike.

have not yet been drawn. You can nd these

Tunes will compliment the wine

Helen Holt

helen.holt@age.co.nz

Toast Martinborough has booked some tasty tunes.

The wine and music festival, which had a two-year hiatus, will return next month with some recognisable Wellington-based artists.

There will be a mix of established and upcoming musicians, function performers and travelling festival artists.

Songwriter and blues, jazz, soul/funk artist Zoe Moon, best known for mega-band Brockaflower will be performing with her band at Te Kairanga.

She recently performed in the Soundtrack of Moulin Rouge at The Civic in Auckland last week.

Moon described her music as folk RnB.

“It is just a way of disregarding the reductive nature of the genre while acknowledging my ancestry and how that contributes to my sound.”

However, she said a friend described her music as “radically vulnerable and unapologetically authentic”.

“I liked that because my music is an undiluted manifestation of

peek of some new tunes.”

Moon said she was looking forward to the warmer weather in Martinborough.

perform at Te Kairanga winery with his bandmates, percussionist Adam Crawford and bass Tommy Joass.

New Zealand I’m from.” Hickman has performed at Toast with other bands including Shot Band, Hobnail

the fourth time he’s performed at the event. Previously he’s played alongside Shaun Preston, and as frontman for Supermodel.

This time he will be performing sax-infused pop and rock with his wife Janina as the Hanify Duo.

Hanify has been in the music scene for over 18 years, playing a range of music from 1950s rock up to now.

He said Toast was a fun gig to play.

“It’s a different vibe, quite early in the day. It’s great to play in the daytime when it’s still light, most gigs are late at night.”

New Orleans-style brass band Richter City Rebels will perform at Palliser Estate.

The band’s sound was inspired by groups such as Rebirth Brass Band, Dirty Dozen and Hot 8 Brass band, which helped to create wild and energetic party music with loads of groove and hip-hop swagger.

It plays a mix of mostly original tunes, and a few classics from the New Orleans brass band scene and nostalgic bangers.

It has an all-star lineup

ABOVE LEFT: Songwriter and blues, jazz, soul/funk artist Zoe Moon.

PHOTO/STEVE BONE PHOTOGRAPHY RIGHT: Mark and Janina Hanify.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Tim McGilvary Parts Manager

A Three Waters repeal spells trouble

have soared in nationwide polling.

to

reverse the

proposed

Waters reforms

to voters who don’t seem to know much about the proposals other than that they hate them.

Central government propose to replace the current council control with four

Flynn Nicholls

and mana whenua.

Local government elections across the country have resulted mainly in favour of candidates opposed to Three Water [Ron Mark here in Wairarapa and, prominently, Wayne Brown in Auckland].

The results appear to be a warning to Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Government that the reforms are unpopular to many voters.

Many councils are opposed to the central government taking over responsibility for the water infrastructure, which local councils have managed for many decades.

Unfortunately for councils, there is widespread evidence that water infrastructure is ageing and failing across New Zealand.

The Department of Internal Affairs estimated

in 2021 that fixing and upgrading the systems could cost $110 billion over the next 30 to 40 years, twice as much as councils are currently spending.

Without these reforms, councils will face massive financial challenges or water quality deficits in the coming decades.

The proposed centralised authorities would have access to economies of scale and centralised planning to tackle these problems, options not available to smaller territorial authorities.

If ACT and National successfully form government in 2023 and repeal and reverse Three Waters, it may not just be financial and infrastructure trouble the councils are in; it could be legal trouble as well.

In 2012, John Key’s National government controversially sold off a 49 per cent stake in

New Zealand’s stateowned energy companies, including hydro energy and geothermal assets.

It was so controversial that a petition with more than 300,000 citizen signatures was presented to parliament, forcing a referendum on the proposed sales.

The referendum results were 67.3 per cent against the asset sales.

Still, the government chose not to honour the result of the referendum, with John Key calling it “an utter waste of money”, claiming citizens had re-elected the National government in 2011 on the basis they would sell the asset shares.

In 2012 the New Zealand Māori council went to the Waitangi Tribunal arguing that if the Crown has put a dollar value on the rivers, then Māori also should have a claim to owning water assets.

According to article two of the treaty, Māori have tino rangatiratanga [absolute authority] over their whenua [land], kainga [homes], and taonga [treasures].

The English version calls

it “undisturbed possession of their Lands and Estates Forests Fisheries and other properties”.

In 2019 the tribunal sided with the Māori council, finding an economic dimension to Māori freshwater rights, setting a legal precedent for mana whenua involvement in the governorship of water.

The proposed Three Waters reforms are partly an attempt by the Crown to honour this precedent for the first time since 1840.

If National and ACT repealed the reforms, Māori could immediately go back to the tribunal complaining that the Crown was not following its treaty obligations, and they would be correct.

If they repeal Three Waters, they should expect the same outcry, protest and righteous anger Helen Clarke’s government received in 2004 when it ignored the Waitangi tribunal’s recommendations for the foreshore and seabed act – the anger that led to the formation of the Māori Party.

I

Nikki King

Political journalist, haha.

Now I’m a website/graphic designer and Fitness PT, doing all the things I was told I was no good at when I was at school haha.

Robert Mackenzie Council worker, leaning on a shovel. Couldn’t even get that job, not qualified.

Adele Pentony-Graham

I wanted to be a Norland Nanny back in UK ... but my father said the only children you will care for will be your own ... Norland Nannies look after special families ... like Royalty ... I had set my mind on that, but ended up typing ... boring.

Mel Taylor

Driving instructor, drummer, flight attendant.

Richard Alan Dahlberg

Traffic cop. Imagine that.

Karen Roberts

To be a hairdresser. Instead I worked in communications.

CONTACT US

Jocelyn Konig Police, art school, fashion buyer.

Janine Cardno A nurse.

Rebecca Vergunst A college teacher.

Kathryn Green Drummer.

Jen Atkin An air hostess.

Bob Pringle Rock God.

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.

Jean Cretney Nursing or the Navy.

Desiree Feast Homescience teacher, florist, airforce, kindergarten teacher – one of those anyway.

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.

CUTIE OF THE WEEK

fThis cute partner in crime is called Oscar, who has only just come to live in Masterton. His owner describes him as a fluffy marshmallow … a mixed Bichon cross with a Maltese and Lhasa Apso. He turned 4 at the long weekend and got plenty of his favourite meaty treats.

Resilience. This word sums up the past few years of our Wairarapa artistic community, which has once again been brought together for the exhibition Kotahitanga: Coming Together Again at Aratoi.

From well-known names to newbies, photographers to ceramicists, galleries to collectives, this year’s Kotahitanga: Coming Together Again exhibition is an eclectic and joyful bunch of artworks for sale.

Two years ago, Kotahitanga was born out of the 2020 covid-19 lockdowns, with restrictions leaving the mood of the region low with restrictions and few get togethers allowed.

I don’t think I need to remind everyone about what had been going on over those past few years, we all have found it hard, difficult and a worrying time. Aratoi wanted to give the artistic community an olive branch, have something to look forward too and give support to our artists.

Many over the past few years have found solace in art. It is well known that viewing art and partaking in creativity have a huge benefit to people’s wellbeing.

We are delighted to be once again standing together with Wairarapa’s artistic community with the second community

exhibition Kotahitanga: Coming Together Again. With hundreds of items on display, this exhibition is celebrating both Wairarapa arts and crafts and Aratoi being open again for all, with no restrictions.

We are delighted to host a variety of groups for the exhibition, from well-known artist centres

like King Street Artworks and ConArt: Studies and Galleries, to new and smaller collectives like Greytown Artisans and Martinborough’s Wednesday Painters.

We are proud to be able to support our wonderful groups around the region, to help artists, keep the community artistic spirit going and give new and

established artists a place to shine.

• All work will be for sale and can be taken away from the last week of the exhibition. For a full list of groups participating, head to our website or simply pop in. Kotahitanga: Coming Together Again

October 22-November 13

Contributor: Jill Greathead

We have two events that require volunteers before Christmas.

The Wairarapa Walking Festival

This festival is being held November 11-20, celebrating walking in Wairarapa with a programme of 40 walks.

We are looking for Tailend Charlies for many of our walks, please visit our website cartertonec.co.nz/ walking for an overview of the variety of walks.

If you would like to help out please contact Donna on [06] 929-0960 or email admin@volwairarapa.org. nz.

The Wairarapa Garden Tour 2022

This festival is being held November 5-6, and they’re looking for a final few volunteers to help them make the day a success.

This year’s tour is being held in South Wairarapa, with featured gardens from Carterton to Martinborough.

Shifts are four hours long, and involve directing

visitors, managing parking and checking tickets.

Volunteers are given a free ticket to the event, so you can check out all the gardens.

If you would like to

help out at this event, contact Annette by email at gardenvolunteers@ pukaha.org.nz.

Opportunities at Volunteering Wairarapa Age Concern visitors

Age Concern are looking for volunteers to visit older people in their homes or at Aged Care Facilities.

If you enjoy befriending older people and listening to their stories we would like to hear from you.

Board/committee members with a variety of skills and community connections required

We have several organisations looking for board members to strengthen and refresh their governance groups as part of their succession planning. You need to be passionate about a cause, consider issues at a strategic level, enjoy teamwork, be willing to contribute your skills and be keen to start your journey into community leadership.

• Interested in finding out more: Contact Jill Greathead on [06] 929 0960 or email mgr@ volwairarapa.org.nz

Miriam Hill from Greytown Artisans, Resilience, 2022, ink on paper.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Lifestyle

Lost and forgotten birds

Imagine you are standing in the Wairarapa lowlands 2000 years ago. There would be no other humans of course, and no land mammals [except bats or pekapeka].

There were plenty of skinks, geckos, frogs and insects, but above all there were birds galore. In the absence of mammals, birds ruled and dominated every ecosystem.

This article is a high-speed look at the amazing birds we have and particularly those we have lost by human enterprise such as habitat destruction, hunting and alien introductions.

In the absence of mammals and especially mammalian predation the birds of New Zealand became weird and wonderful, from the largest flightless moa to the smallest Bush wren.

Setting the scenealmost all Wairarapa would have been forest covered. The lowlands would be the home of the great podocarps: totara, rimu, kahikatea, matai and miro. This forest would have had a luxurious dense understory with tree-ferns, shrubs, ferns and mosses.

The mountain sides were clothed with beech

forest. There were only a few places where trees didn’t grow: exposed coasts [too windy, too salty], mountain tops [too cold] and wetlands [too, well…wet]. All these habitats had plenty of food for birds, therefore had plenty of birds. The dawn chorus would have had a very high decibel rating.

We will start with moa but then have a look at other birds you may not

be so familiar with. At the last count there were nine species of moa in a selection of large, medium and small sizes. There were certainly several species living in Wairarapa including the North Island giant moa [2m tall with a 3m reach] and the Little bush moa, which was able to dart through the densest undergrowth.

It is thought that some moa species communicated with very

deep loud booming. To connect with your friends and enemies in dense forest you need a loud call - think kiwi and weka.

Moa would have been joined on the ground by a fascinating array of flightless heavyweights. Kiwi, kākākpō, takahē and weka we still have with us but these birds would have been everywhere and plentiful.

They would have been joined by the adzebill

[ngutu hahau]. At about 80cm tall and weighing 16kg the adzebill was a brute of a bird. Very strong and heavily built, it was the ground-based predator, eating lizards, other birds, tuatara…Adzebills belonged to the Rail family of birds - think pūkeko or weka on steroids.

There were predators in the air of course. The Haast eagle is the largest known eagle worldwide living or extinct.

Koha, the South island kokako. Digitally imagined by TM Davidson, based on a portrait of Kahurangi at Pukaha/Mt Bruce

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Greytown couple Henry and Nadine Jansen,with nurse Anne (left).

Message from the

It’s an honour and pleasure to write this first column as Mayor Elect of Masterton.

I am humbled by the support I received in the local election and want to be clear that I see my role as Mayor as representing everyone in the Masterton District.

The newly elected Council has spent time in the past couple of weeks taking part in induction workshops, which have been very useful, not just for our four brand new councillors, but also those who are returning councillors.

It is always good to be reminded of the huge scope of council activity and the complexity of much of what we as a council do for the community.

I am delighted with genuinely positive mood in the Council team, and am confident that we are a group that will work constructively together for the good of our community.

I want this Council to be very much connected to the community.

Personally, will be meeting regularly with ratepayer groups, and will have an open-door policy when it comes to meeting individual ratepayers, face to face. I am looking at the best way to do this.

As made clear during the election, have a number of priorities that I would like to focus on

Masterton District Council remains a member of the Communities 4 Local Democracy group, wanting changes to the Government’s Three Waters reforms, but we have also applied for Better O funding, the majority of which will go to targeted wastewater renewals.

We have yet to receive a response to our application, but am sure most of our community believes it is unacceptable for Portaloos to be required by any of our residents at times of high rainfall.

Addressing the issue is not a quick or easy fix, but want to ensure we take steps to fund the work as priority.

It is certainly no secret that the Civic Facility issue is something I also want to see progress.

I look forward to reaching decisions with the new council on this and the library and archive early in the triennium.

Above all, know all our elected members are mindful of the impact of rates on our residents, particularly during this time of high inflation.

In the current environment we are faced with cost increases across the board, but all our deliberations will be conducted with a priority of

keeping the financial impact on ratepayers at a responsible level.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible as we go about our work.

and

The first draft of the updated Wairarapa Combined District Plan is now open for comments.

Government direction means that the Wairarapa region must prepare for more people and more development.

But it’s important to protect the environment and things we value the most – the plan sets out rules for this growth and development.

The plan is being reviewed by a joint committee of Wairarapa’s three district councils.

It is open for public comment until 6 December 2022, and can be found on its own website –www.wairarapaplan.co.nz

It sets out permitted activities, and what activities would require a resource consent.

It also gives e ect to Government policies

The Council’s Building and Planning teams are now based at Waiata House, 27 Lincoln Road.

Key topics identified for change include rules around rural subdivision, urban growth

housing, protection of historic heritage, and management of natural hazards.

After feedback is considered, the plan will go out for formal consultation again in June 2023.

A series of open community ‘drop-in’ sessions on the draft plan will be held around Wairarapa.

For more information on the plan and the drop-in sessions visit: www.wairarapaplan.co.nz

As in the past, a representative from the Building team is available each weekday between 11am and 2pm. Meetings with representatives of the Planning team are by appointment only – please email: planningadmin@mstn.govt.nz

Bex Johnson Deputy Mayor Elect

Tim Nelson

Masterton Whakaoriori General Ward Councillor Elect

Marama Tuuta

Whakaoriori Māori Ward Councillor Elect

Stella Lennox

Large Councillor Elect

Tom Hullena

Whakaoriori General Ward Councillor Elect

David Holmes

Large Councillor Elect

Craig Bowyer

Whakaoriori General

Councillor Elect

Brent Goodwin

Large Councillor Elect

Gary Ca ell Mayor Elect

The number of emergencies attended in Wairarapa tallies in the thousands every year, and at most of them, our fire brigades are on the frontline.

From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, Wairarapa’s 13 brigades responded to 1193 discrete incidents, just over three calls a day. Of those, nonfire events accounted for 946.

The five urban centres recorded the highest number of incidents, with Masterton topping the chart with 589 callouts, almost three times as many as the next highest station, Carterton, which recorded 204.

The incidents were as wide and varying as they were numerous, with; 210 medical emergencies, 157 special service calls, 135

vehicle crashes, and 130 public assistance callouts.

Interestingly, incidents recorded as false alarms topped the list, accounting for 22 per cent of all calls, with 269 across the region – more than the number of fires, which stood at 247.

At the other end of the scale, there were six hazmat [hazardous material] calls and eight rescues.

It’s a challenging environment.

In 2017, the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act was passed, effectively bringing together 150 years of firefighting experience under one umbrella –Fire and Emergency New Zealand [Fenz].

The act amalgamated the New Zealand Fire Service, the National Rural Fire Authority, 12 enlarged rural districts, and 26 territorial authorities.

In Wairarapa, it unified 13 brigades, five urban and eight rural, all staffed by volunteers with one exception, Masterton’s composite career and volunteer brigade.

In a briefing to the incoming minister, Fenz board chair Paul Swain said New Zealanders outside major centres relied on the goodwill of volunteers, who

made up 85 per cent of all firefighters.

He warned then that urban and rural firefighters were responding to ‘an

severe weather episodes, and a range of rescues.

Five years later, the numbers continue to soar.

ever-increasing array of non-fire incidents’, including medical events, car crashes, hazardous material emergencies,

Fenz Wairarapa group manager Craig Cottrill said the data over the past year reflected the broad range of incidents Wairarapa brigades responded to.

A variety of fuel and gas leaks, most often at commercial premises, accounted for the hazmat

calls, Cottrill said.

He said the recent incident of carbon monoxide poisoning at Carterton District Council

offices was a good example of a hazardous material callout.

From explosions to devastating ÿ res, car crashes and cardiac arrests, we rely on our ÿ re brigades to respond. MARY ARGUE looks back over a year of callouts and the more than 1000 incidents attended by Wairarapa brigades.

Of the eight rescues, Cottrill recalled one in particular, involving a heading dog on a cliff face in Wainuioru.

“We abseiled down the cliff, picked up the dog and took it down. It was a happy ending,” he said.

He said crews were obviously responding to a high number of medical calls and it was unsurprising that medical events were second highest on the list of callouts.

“With 210 calls, that’s

just under 20 per cent [of Wairarapa’s total].”

Cottrill said medical emergency calls had continued to climb in response to the increasing strain on ambulance services and said Martinborough’s 87 calls,

almost half the region’s total, had spiked since the brigade became the first responder for the area.

He said the career team at Masterton was likely to attend at least one medical call every shift.

Cottrill said the

Carterton High St fire in October 2021 was one of the more notable fire incidents the brigades responded to.

“In terms of impact on the community, the shop fire in Carterton was significant.”

At the time, it was one of the highest alarm responses in Wairarapa, reaching third alarm stage out of five. The record has only recently been eclipsed by last week’s incident of multiple suspicious fires at Wards Line.

Although it will be

recorded in the next financial year’s statistics, Cottrill said the recent Gladstone house fire, and Wards Line fires, were examples of how the brigades worked to provide cover when incidents escalated.

Brigades from Carterton, Greytown, Masterton, Featherston, and Remutaka attended the blaze on Gladstone Rd on September 5.

The response required a backup crew to staff the Masterton station – the

only station in the region with 24-hour coverage.

“Our system works to keep sucking in appliances from further afield,” Cottrill said.

“Remutaka comes over and bumps up Featherston [crew] to Carterton.

Ideally, we would like to have a pump available at each of our stations.”

He said the rural brigades were crucial for providing coverage in the more remote Wairarapa areas.

“With those rural fire brigades, we can

get assistance into the community a lot quicker.

“An accident in Tinui might require the rescue tender from Masterton.

“The local brigade gets there quickly, manages traffic, provides first aid, assesses immediate threats

to life and property, and tells us where additional resources are needed.

“It gives us two things; it helps us resolve lowerlevel incidents, and gives us situational awareness, feeding back information about what is happening.”

He said the 157 special service calls covered a variety of incidents from downed power lines to police requests, weather events and even failed aircraft gear, citing a tow plane’s emergency landing at Hood Aerodrome in February.

Cottrill said the numerous storm events this year had added to the total of special service calls and had Fenz responding with additional gear for its crew.

Finally, he said the public assistance calls

could be anything where the community needed help.

“We get asked to go to all sorts of things; a husband who has locked himself in the bathroom, someone who can’t get into the house, someone stuck in a wheelchair.

“It just demonstrates we don’t say no.

“It’s all about the community and why we go to work every day.

“Whakaratonga iwi, it’s about serving our people.”

to stay safe

Interestingly Haast eagle bones have never been found in the North Island, which was ruled by the slightly smaller Eyles’s harrier. This bird was still large enough to tackle geese and small moa.

Of the three endemic New Zealand raptors only the smallest – the NZ falcon [kārearea] – is still around. The common harrier hawk [kāhu] has only arrived from Australia quite recently, within 700 years. It is thought many New Zealand birds became nocturnal and drab in colour to escape the danger from the air.

Eagles and falcons hunted by having superb sight, whereas mammals hunt primarily by smell.

Danger also lurked at night. As well as the much-loved ruru there was the Laughing owl [whēkau], a larger relative. The Laughing owl only became extinct last century and had a spine-tingling loud and doleful call.

Thomas Potts wrote “If its cry resembles laughter, it is the uncontrollable outburst, the convulsive shout of insanity.” My parents were convinced they met one near Pākawau in Golden Bay in

the 1950s.

Another bird you may not have heard of was the owlet-nightjar [ruru hinapō], an exceedingly shy and small owl. The owlet-nightjar had a sort of fur about its face and beak just like its still-living Australian relatives.

The forest would have been alive with a multitude of recognisable birds such as tūī, korimako, kōkako, kea, kākā, kākāriki. The glamorous huia nearly

made it, the last birds were seen in the early 1900s.

Male and female huia had quite different bills, she had the longer one. One theory is that the differing beak lengths enabled teamwork in demolishing rotten logs.

Another unique but less well-known species was the piopio which was known as the “native thrush”. It was certainly not a thrush and has no close relatives living or

extinct in the bird world. It was an extravagantly talented songster and mimic. It was thrush-sized and coloured white and brown with a reddish tail.

Also flitting through the forest would have been a variety of NZ wrens. There are six known species including the surviving rifleman [titipounamu] and Rock wren [pīwauwau]. These tiny birds are not wrens but of a very ancient lineage, probably ancestral to all living songbirds worldwide. Tragically the last Bush wren was seen alive as recently as 1972.

We will finish with a look at some of the strange waterbirds you might have come across on or around Wairarapa Moana several thousand years ago.

The North Island goose [tarepo] was a heavyweight and flightless. At 15kg it was about three times the weight of a living Canada goose. There was also the New Zealand swan [poūwa] somewhat larger than the Black swan you see around today [which is another more recent arrival from Australia].

The extinct New Zealand musk duck was one of the largest

ducks ever. There was also a widespread and attractive flightless duck called Finsch’s duck [manutahora], a much larger relative of the Australian wood duck.

I have only discussed a few of the many bird species that have become extinct in the last thousand years. It is a sad and sorry story, and even now many of our iconic bird species are living close to the edge.

One can only hope we have learnt to treasure the birds that are still with us to ensure they don’t disappear the same way.

We can express that by participating in Bird of the Year – you have until October 30 to cast your vote! Maybe you will support some of the underbirds that are always extra special to see or hear.

• The Feather Report is supplied by the Wairarapa group of Birds New Zealand.

Our bird group is often out and about in Wairarapa seeing where birds are and what they are up to. If you would like to join us contact Oliver Druce, birds.wairarapa@osnz. org.nz

Of the three endemic New Zealand raptors only the smallest –the NZ falcon [kārearea] – is still around.

Breast cancer remains the number one cause of death for New Zealand women under 65.

Local pink ribbon volunteer encourages others to come forward Pink Ribbon Street Appeal

A Masterton breast cancer survivor is urging people in the Wairarapa to support the Breast Cancer Foundation’s Pink Ribbon Street Appeal on 28 and 29 October.

Diane Calder was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago and now wants to raise awareness about the importance of breast screening and doing self-checks.

Diane says: “I was due for my mammogram and had forgotten about it but my reminder arrived, so booked my appointment. The next day, I found a lump in my breast after having a shower. got an all-clear from the mammogram but was still advised to see my GP.That’swhenmyjourneyreallytooko˜ .”

“It was quite the ride but, through it all, knew there was always support available from the Breast Cancer Foundation if needed it, and for that I’m very grateful. This is my ÿ rst-time volunteering as thought it was time to give something back. I hope others will get involved locally too because it’s such a great cause to support.”

Each October, around 10,000 volunteers take to the streets to raise vital funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation’s work in research, education, advocacy, and patient support.˛

The charity is still looking for volunteers to collect across the region and the deadline to sign up is midday on 27 October.

Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, says: “The Pink Ribbon Street Appeal is one of our biggest fundraisers but last year it couldn’t go ahead in many places due to Covid-19

restrictions. As a charity that receives no Government funding, that’s taken a huge toll on our programmes at a time when we’re facing increasing demand for our support services.

“It’s only thanks to the goodwill of New Zealanders that we can be there for patients during their treatment and recovery, fund innovative research to ÿ nd new breakthroughs, and educate women about

the importance of early detection.”

About 3,500 women and 25 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand each year, about 360 of which are in the greater Wellington region. Although death from breast cancer has reduced by 43% over the past 20 years thanks to advancements in detection and treatment, about 700 women each year still die from it across the country.

Please show your support for the Pink Ribbon Appeal this year:

Sign up for a two-hour collection shift in your area at pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz.

Donate in one of the buckets during the Street Appeal. There are eight donation sites across the Wairarapa including outside most supermarkets and some Masterton cafes.

Milady Fashion and Lingerie in Queen Street Masterton, owned by Deb Graham-Karaitiana, o˜ ers a breast prosthesis and bra modiÿ cation service for all sizes and lifestyles.

Deb and her sta˜ are passionate about the service Milady o˜ ers to women after a mastectomy. It began about twenty years ago when a woman came into the shop looking for something to conceal her scar and help her feel better about herself. Milady became the only shop in the Wairarapa providing prosthesis, breast forms, specialised bras, swim prosthesis and mastectomy swimwearall ÿ tted by trained sta˜

“Training in ÿ tting prosthesis is essential to ensure women experience a sense of ease, retain their modesty, and ÿ nd the products that work best for them,” Deb says. She stocks all available brands, o˜ ering variety and choice.

Milady can organise funding through the Ministry of Health’s Breast Prosthesis Service Payment Scheme on behalf of customers.

Since those early days, Deb’s sister has died of breast cancer and Sherryl, one of Milady’s sales team, is a breast cancer survivor. “The service has become personal.”

Women now come to Milady from all round the country and the products have improved – they’re lighter, higher quality and more durable. A week doesn’t go by without Deb and her team receiving a prosthesis and bra ÿ tting enquiry.

A bra modiÿ cation service is also available: Women can choose to have a normal bra or swimsuit modiÿ ed to hold a prosthesis. “This is a considerably cheaper option,” Deb says.

The shop is open six days a week and customers don’t need a referral from the Cancer Society. Walk-ins are common, although it may be wise to call ahead and book a time for a ÿ tting. These can take 20 to 30 minutes but, if you need a shoulder to cry on, longer is ÿ ne too.

Milady donates old prosthesis and bras to the Cancer Society and supports project Bra-vo! run by Masterton Rotary in collaboration with Uplift Bras. Old bras are collected through this project and sent to disadvantaged women both in New Zealand and overseas. While you’re there dropping o˜ your old bras, don’t forget to browse the racks of Milady’s stunning new summer range of clothes for all sizes.

For more information about this special service, call in to Milady Fashion and Lingerie on Queen Street, Masterton. Phone 06-378 7582 or email info@milday.co.nz.

they appear.

If you have questions or want to book a mammogram, check out ‘breast awareness’ on the Breast Cancer Foundation’s website.

Check your breasts

Early detection is the best way for women to survive breast cancer and can give back decades of life. Following early detection, at least 90% of treatments are successful after ÿ ve years into the breast cancer journey.

Regular breast examination is the most e˜ ective way of detecting breast cancer early. Checking your breasts is easy as Touch, Look, Check. Know your ‘normal’, so you can ÿ nd any changes as soon as

Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Deb Graham-Karaitiana with some of her products.

Terri, Deb and Sherryl, the Milady team

with a Bra-vo collection box

Golden

Submissions invited for Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill

The Social Services and Community Committee is inviting submissions on the Accessibility for New Zealanders Bill until Monday 7 November.

The Bill, which has passed its ÿ rst reading in Parliament, will establish a new legislative framework.

It aims to provide a consistent way of addressing systemic accessibility barriers that prevent disabled people, t°ngata whaikaha M°ori and their families or wh°nau, and

others with accessibility needs from living independently and participating in all areas of life.

The Bill also aims to ensure that disability issues are front of mind in decisions by policy makers and the Government of the day.

The committee recognises that written submissions may be challenging for some people who wish to give input on the bill.

In order to facilitate participation, the committee encourages anyone who would like to make an oral submission only to contact the secretariat by Monday, 7 November 2022.

International Day of Older Persons was celebrated on October 1.

The day celebrates older people – to highlight the value of all older people and to promote dignity and respect.

This year the United Nations theme was “The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women.”

“We have just seen the passing of the Queen Elizabeth II, who embodied this theme and will be remembered for her contribution, resilience, and service,” says Karen Billings-

Jensen, Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive.

“But I would like all New Zealanders to take a moment to remember and celebrate the resilience and contributions of older women in their own lives.

“We need to celebrate our older women who can often be invisible and disregarded.

“In Aotearoa New Zealand we have so many wonderful examples of resilient women and the contributions they make in all facets of our society.

“We repeatedly hear of amazing women that stand up across our political, business and community sectors to make Aotearoa New Zealand a great place to live.

“But women still face discrimination as well as negative stereotypes that combine ageism and sexism and we need to change that.”

UN Prevalence ÿ gures based on a survey of 83,034 people in 57 countries found one in every two people held moderately or highly ageist attitudes.

Age Concern is inviting Kiwis

and

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Help available for “wanderers”

Are you, or someone you know, concerned about the risk of getting lost or going missing when out and about in the community?

The Safer Walking Framework is an initiative delivered by Land Search and Rescue New Zealand (Land SAR).

It is about supporting, educating, and reducing the risk of people who, potentially or actually, get lost or go missing due to cognitive impairment in New Zealand.

Land SAR estimates that over 300,000 people in New Zealand have some sort of cognitive impairment such as dementia and autism.

Most people with cognitive impairment are not at risk of going missing (known as wandering in the Search and Research sector).

A recent survey in New Zealand indicates that about 10 to 13 per-cent of people with cognitive impairment have a higher risk of going missing, says Land SAR on the website saferwalking.nz

“The good news is that you are not alone. There are many ideas and strategies that have been developed that you can introduce.

“These help to reduce the risk, while enabling personal freedom to live a healthy active life in the community.

“Strategies include social activities that help to satisfy a person’s need for walking.

“There are ideas to consider about the home environment

to reduce the risk of a person leaving unprepared.

“And technology that can be introduced to aid location.

is an array of people and

you can connect with for getting help.”

more information visit saferwalking.nz

Adelaide Skeet

Gary Pickering

Caroline Finlay Maria Paine

More advice from Fredrich Nietzsche, this time on how to achieve something great. Nietzsche uses the context of writing for his example.

Without going into the specifics for this post, Nietzsche outlines a plan that anyone could use as a writer. It’s quite simple, but there are three caveats; these being: that instant success is unlikely; there are likely to be failures on the path to any success, and; it will take a lot of hard work.

Reading Nietzsche makes me think about

John Grisham, the mega successor American author of legal novels.

I remember when his breakthrough novel, The Firm, was published in the early 1990s. It seemed like an instant success. However, the truth was quite different.

To be able to write about the law with such intimate knowledge was something that Grisham could do because he had spent years qualifying for, then practising law.

After this he wrote his first novel, which was later republished, A Time To Kill, which initially sold very poorly. The Firm was by no means the instant

success it was considered to be.

There are countless cases of what we believe to be instant successes, but if we dig a little deeper we will see years of toil and hard work before the success came.

This would be good information for us all to learn, especially in a time in which instant gratification and success are so sought after, but without the necessary hard work and focus to get us there.

Pleasure and Pain

I read this morning about the concepts of pleasure and pain from the perspective of the German philosopher, Nietzsche. His experiences in life taught him that in many ways we have the choice of how much of each we have, with this choice having a significant impact on our lives.

Nietzsche felt that if we choose to have as little pain as possible, then this will impact on how much pleasure we have. Take, for example, the idea of being prepared to ask

someone out on a date.

If we choose to avoid the pain of rejection, then we are also choosing to avoid the pleasure of forming a relationship with someone who accepts our request to spend time with them.

Life can be very hard, filled with painful moments. However, if we go into any situation knowing and accepting this, then we will brace ourselves for the pain that follows if we’re not successful, but also give ourselves the opportunity for pleasure because we have been brave enough to take risks and push ourselves beyond our comfort zones.

The Unknown Genius

On the Tim Ferriss Podcast, guest Alain de Botton was asked the question ‘who do you think of when asked who is a successful person?’ The answer he gives is an interesting one, this being the person who helped raise him as a child when he was growing up in Switzerland. The reasons for her success include: She was kind; She was a great conversationalist; She was very healthy, both mentally and physically well into her latter years; She was content. What a refreshing

answer. Botton described her and others like her as ‘unknown geniuses’. Most of us know at least one, yet often overlook them when we think about successful people.

This was even the case with de Botton, who initially gave Steve Jobs as his answer, but retracted it because there were so many things about the way that Jobs lived his life that seemed to make him [Jobs] frustrated and angry.

I love the idea of the unknown genius. It’s something we can all strive to be, achieving success in our own lives, and directly impacting and influencing those most important to us.

Learn from others I heard a TED podcast interview today, with the guest Atul Gawade, someone who I have admired since reading his fabulous book, The Checklist Manifesto.

Gawande is a doctor who investigates ways in which readily available systems, ideas and processes can be used to improve the lives of large populations.

An example of this was his investigation and implementation of checklists with surgery teams, which led to a significant reduction in deaths and medical misadventure, simply

through using checklists to ensure procedures were correctly followed.

In the interview, Atul talks about how groups can look at others who are doing something well, learn from what they are doing, then implement this in

their own environment.

This seems like such a simple idea, but it’s often overlooked, as groups stubbornly stick to what they have always done,

perhaps thinking that what works elsewhere wouldn’t be adaptable in their own environment.

I believe this is a mistake; Gawande gives the

example of the Costa Rican healthcare system, which spends one sixth of that spent in the USA, but is achieving better outcomes, with life expectancy getting

higher [81 years], while in the US it’s dropping [76 years].

This is a great example of how one country can learn from another to

improve the lives of its citizens. Perhaps there may be aspects that will initially be hard to implement, but to achieve great things we really do need to put in the hard work, just as others have been prepared to do.

Enjoy the moment

The ancient poet Horace coined the phrase ‘carpe diem’ [seize the day]. This essentially is about living in the moment, as opposed to thinking about what is to come.

We can use this as a philosophy, ensuring we are aware and focused on what is happening right now, whether it’s enjoying the feeling of having just completed an exercise session, or having a great conversation with a good friend.

Too often we ponder on past regrets, or will be anxious about what may be to come. To live a good life the best approach is to live on the moment, enjoying simple pleasures and the feeling of being content. Doing this will have you leading a more fulfilling life.

Don’t wait to forgive Some time ago I felt very let down by someone very close to me. Because of this I cut off all ties, and have never been prepared to forgive. However, there have been many others

John Grisham visits the cast of the Broadway play based on his book “A Time to Kill” at The Golden Theatre in September 2013 in New York City.

PHOTO/GE TTY IMAGES

Tim Nelson

who I have rebuilt relationships with, as well as people I have got to know and like who have done significantly worse things, maybe not to me, but they have definitely impacted on others in very negative ways.

Today the person I cut off ties with passed away. This has left me with feelings of regret and guilt. I should have been the one to get back in touch, to forgive, to move on.

I have shared before about Barry Gibb not getting on with any of his three siblings at the time in which they passed away. He regrets this immensely and wishes things could have ended differently. The same thing has happened to me today.

My advice: be prepared to take the first step towards forgiveness, even if you are the one who has been hurt most. There may come a time when the opportunity is no longer there and all you’re left with is feelings of sadness.

Stick with the system that works I have been using a Bullet Journal for about three years. I use a modified version of the original system developed by Ryder Carroll, who invented the process. My modified system is based on trial and error, and has worked really well for me

since I started using it.

Some time ago I saw a YouTube video by Ali Abdaal, in which he shared a system that he had started using called the Second Brain Process. Ali spoke really highly of the system; it was something that worked really well for him. To me it looked like an option to the Bullet Journal system.

While in a bookshop today I saw a book that

was about implementing the Second Brain Process. Immediately I recalled Abdaal’s video, and was about to buy it. However, I stopped to think about what I was already doing with the Bullet Journal system and how well it is working for me. I put the book back on the shelf, saving myself the money I would have spent on it. Far too often we look at change for the sake of

change, when what we are already doing is absolutely fine.

To me this is a waste of time and energy, and also risks replacing what’s working for something that very well may not. Yes, if a system is broken or substandard it should be replaced. Otherwise look to make changes only when and where they’re genuinely needed.

• 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.

70 YEARS OF CARING FOR MASTERTON’S YOUNGSTERS

Māori proverb adopted by Una Williams Kindergarten for 70th anniversary.

Melnissa Faumui has been the head teacher at Una Williams Kindergarten since 2016.

She leads a team of dedicated professionals all commi ed to the education and welfare of those in their care. Qualifying as a secondary school teacher in her native Samoa, Melnissa came to New Zealand with her family and discovered Masterton a er a few years in Auckland. She fell in love with the town and the feeling of community which reminded her of her Samoan upbringing. Deciding she wanted to teach at the other end of young people’s lives, she graduated with an Early Childhood Degree and seized the chance to lead Una Williams Kindergarten. is incredibly diverse kindergarten a racts and celebrates many cultures including the Pasi ka and Māori community which Melnissa feels so at home with.

In November 2022 – the kindergarten is 70 years old and still operates from the piece of land so carefully selected by its namesake in 1952. e idea started back during World War 2 when many of Masterton’s men were serving overseas. A group of women raising their children alone in Masterton, including Una Williams, decided the town would bene t from a kindergarten and a meeting was called. ere was great support for the idea. A survey was made of homes between Cornwall and Renall Streets to gauge support. e Wellington Free Kindergarten Society was fully supportive, but money had to be raised for rent, salaries, and equipment. And so, there were shop days, cake stalls and all manner of fundraising. It was decided to become an incorporated society and the women got wholehearted support from the Mayor of Masterton, Jim Jordan, who was their legal advisor. A temporary kindergarten was set up in the Whatman Children’s Home and then moved to the Anglican Church Hall and the top of Renall Street. Jill Stevenson was in charge with Lois Tooby, her assistant. Community interest was growing, and a second kindergarten was created in the Lansdowne Presbyterian Hall. East Masterton followed with one set up in the Orange Hall. is hall proved inadequate however and there was a scurry of activity to nd an alternate place.

anks to energetic fundraising a kindergarten building fund had grown and as West and Lansdowne were happy in their buildings, Una Williams and Mrs Eric Hodder set about looking for a site on the east side. Land in Macara Street was purchased, and building commenced almost immediately.

Una Williams’ tireless work was acknowledged with naming the new kindergarten a er her.

e new building was o cially opened in 1952. In anticipation, three Masterton women trained in Wellington, and they enthusiastically took up their teaching roles. ey were Marion Hodder, Elizabeth

Daniel, and Joyce Falloon. Very quickly there was a roll of 40 children and ve sessions each weekday morning. e popularity of this much-loved kindergarten has never waned and 70 years on, it is running as strongly as ever.

Help Please

It will begin with light refreshment e information about the establishment of Una Williams kindergarten was found in a le er wri en by Una Williams, which is in the Wairarapa Archive. It has no date, and Una Williams’ address is Tawa, Wellington. A photograph has been found of her in 1970. Via Facebook, kindergarten sta have located her granddaughter, who is excited about bringing along her father – a foundation pupil – to the celebrations.

Present day sta would love to know more about Una Williams, the woman, and of the kindergarten in general. If you were a past pupil, teacher, parent, or just know anything about this long-standing kindergarten, they’d love to hear from you.

e 70th anniversary celebrations are being held over Friday and Saturday 18 – 19 November 2022.

It will begin with a dinner at the Masterton Club Friday evening followed by an open day at the kindergarten on Saturday 9am –12noon.

Please contact Una Williams Kindergarten 06 378 7531 or email unawilliams@wmkindergartens.org.nz

Kindergarten Associations grow together

In 2014 two established kindergarten organisations (Rimutaka Kindergarten Association and Wellington Kindergartens) came together to become one, creating He Whānau Manaaki o Tararua Free Kindergarten Association Inc (Whānau Manaaki Kindergartens)one of the largest providers in the New Zealand early childhood sector.

e name translates as “the caring family of Tararua” and recognises the value of the kindergarten movement and the Tararua range that de nes the region. e name was developed in association with Sir Tamati and Lady Tilly Reedy, who both have a long association with early childhood education, including involvement in the development of the early childhood curriculum, Te Whāriki.

Since then, Whanganui Kindergarten Association (which includes the Central Plateau) has also joined He Whānau Manaaki. ere’s 101 kindergartens now under the He Whānau Manaaki banner.

When:

When: Saturday, 19th November

12 Macara Street

2022 sta front L-R; Melnissa Faumui (Head Teacher) Corinne Campbell, Cheryl Smith back L-R; Shyvonne McKenzie, Kim Atkins, Hannah Harrison (Administrator)

With you on that handle and I on this handle, together we will li the basket

diabetes action month

The event includes a one-hour gardening talk and discussion with Garden Barn Masterton, an amazing lunch provided by Club Carterton, and entertainment and a talk from famous singer Ray Woolf. Ray has insights about diabetes based on his own experiences of more than twenty-five years living with the disease. His advice is to focus on a healthy diet and

exercise, every day. The gardening talk will cover advice about what and when to plant healthy edibles and how to get your best out of your garden. Look out for raffles and spot prizes as well. Tickets are only $15.

Jason Osborne, local business owner, treasurer of Diabetes Wairarapa and organiser of Wairarapa’s Annual Event,

says “being involved in this event is one way to help our community – that’s the underpinning philosophy here at the Osborne Group”. Jason has a personal connection with diabetes through his uncle, now deceased, and his father, who turned his diabetes around through good diet and exercise.

As well as the annual event, Diabetes

Diabetes exposed

Diabetes is a disease in which the body either stops making good use of the insulin it produces or stops making insulin altogether. Without adequate treatment and management, it can damage the body and cause organ failure.

More than 270,000 Kiwis have diabetes. This number is projected to rise by 2040 to as many as 430,000. Diabetes Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of the disease and help turn the tide on rising rates.

Māori and Pasifika are hit hardest by diabetes. Māori are more nearly three times likely to get diabetes than nonMāori, with mortality rates from the disease more than seven times higher.

More than 90% of diabetes sufferers have type 2 which is brought on by lack of exercise and a poor diet. It cannot be cured but can be managed through an active and healthy lifestyle. If not well managed, however, complications from diabetes include eye disease, kidney failure, amputation of lower limbs, strokes, and heart disease.

Where to go for help with diabetes



Wairarapa is liaising with schools to encourage school children to wear blue and show solidarity with thousands of diabetics in New Zealand, as part of the Do Blue, Wear Blue initiative on 14 November (World Diabetes Day).

With about 2,\500 people in Wairarapa living with diabetes, Diabetes Wairarapa (a branch of Diabetes New Zealand) branch is busy.

To further raise awareness of diabetes, a national activity (the Sneaker Event) will be held on 18 November 2022. We’re encouraged to wear sneakers and raise funds by donating at www.givealittle. co.nz/event/sneaker-Friday-2022.





Diabetes Wairarapa organises community support groups to help put you in touch with other diabetes sufferers - contact Georgina Kilmister, Secretary of Diabetes Wairarapa, on 027 824 8960.

Whaiora Community Services provides support and tools for self-care as the key to keeping well. Its Pae Ora: Healthy Futures programme works with individuals, and their families and whanau, to help improve health and wellness - contact Whaiora Community Services on 06 370 0818.

Green Prescription also known as GRx is a free service to help improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and family/ whānau through physical activity and nutrition support - ask your GP about a Green Prescription or contact Nuku Ora (based in the YMCA Hub on Queen Street in Masterton) on 0800 ACTIVE or email grx@nukuora.org.nz.

First of all, thank you to everyone who took part in the Bookshop Hop on 8 October. The Dickensian Bookshop was busy from early morning through to closing time and it was wonderful to see so many people inspired to visit as many bookshops as possible on the day. Thank you Millie Blackwell for your inspired idea! We hope the winner fully enjoys their $650 worth of vouchers!

Patsy and I are busy finishing off the final touches in the shop kitchen in preparation for opening The Dickensian Tea Rooms. This shouldn’t be too far away now and we are really hoping we can start serving cream teas, patisserie, light lunches, and a variety of teas and beverages to you soon. Hopefully you can add it to your Summer events diary!! As a member of Booktown we are delighted to hear that Featherston has been selected for the next International Organisation of Booktowns Global

Conference in early 2024. It will be an amazing opportunity to put Featherston Booktown on the International map and to share our love of good Literature to a larger audience.

So, with Christmas on its way please look out for our range of Christmas cards and lots of gift opportunities from Patsy’s selection of Crystal and Porcelain.

When Lewis Carroll wrote ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ way back in 1865 he probably had little idea that his work would inspire generations of artists to interpret his work. After John Tenniel set the standard with his marvellous Victorian images, many other illustrators have added their own visionary work.

I have recently been lucky enough to acquire several of these and some of them are quite stunning. Happy reading to you all ... let’s bring on Summer with a good book!

Farmers nudged to regeneration

A shift to regenerative agriculture across the nation and in Wairarapa is being encouraged by the Ministry of Primary Industries [MPI] as the industry adapts to a more climate-friendly model.

MPI said it committed $142,480 over two years through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund towards the $356,200 project with Lean Meats Limited [trading as Atkins Ranch].

The programme aimed to increase the number of verified lamb producers that met the regenerative certification requirements of the US Savory Institute’s Land to Market Programme.

However, some Wairarapa representatives have been apprehensive of

Council [MDC] said as part of its Climate Action Plan consultation, it was interested in the possibility of holding regenerative agriculture workshops.

“There was mixed feedback on that consultation point and the council decided that facilitating agriculture workshops is more relevant to GWRC, which has the staff land management expertise, and therefore it should not be prioritised in the shortlisted actions for our Climate Action Plan.”

It said regenerative farming was a hot topic within rural communities and the council had been watching with interest how groups were tailoring the international science and practice for a New Zealand context.

MDC said that, as a provincial district, it was interested to see how regenerative agriculture could play a role in New Zealand’s shift to lowemission farming over the next few decades.

“The council is supportive of more research generally into regeneration agriculture but recognises uptake of these practices would be decisions for individual landowners.”

The climate action plan outlined 118 actions the district should take to mitigate the impact of climate change and included MDC installing solar or wind energy generation infrastructure on council-owned buildings, supporting residents to convert to energy-efficient products, and promoting alternative

region.

The Government announced a $54.74 million investment into 11 regenerative agriculture research projects this

research projects aimed to develop a “sound evidence base” of what works well for our soils, climates, and farming systems.

Of the $54.74 million

through the Whenua Haumanu project, led by Massey University.

The project would become the most comprehensive study of

been a partner of the Land to Market Programme since 2019. It sells premium grass-fed lamb into the US market and has supply contracts across five regions of New Zealand. The company has been piloting regenerative farming practices since 2019 with a core group of 23 farmers, and this is now expanding to more than 70 farms.

interest is that I believe we already have a competitive advantage over other countries due to the way we farm in New Zealand.

By showing that we meet internationally recognised regenerative agriculture standards we’re able to access high-value markets overseas.”

MPI director of investment programmes Steve Penno, said the SFF Futures project was a good fit with the goals of the Government and food and fibre sector’s Fit for a Better World roadmap, which aimed

to improve productivity and reduce the impacts of food production on our environment.

“Consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for meat produced regeneratively, and sustainability is taking a front seat more and more in the way we produce food.

“This project will help open up a new opportunity for more of our farmers to demonstrate the good work they’re doing – and with a few tweaks they can be rewarded for it.”

produced.”

The Government said a $2 million project would test and incorporate new forage management practices and principles of action to boost biodiversity

He said Land to Market was the world’s first verified outcomes-based regenerative certification.

The certification needed partners to undertake a range of measures annually, which would cover soil health, biodiversity, water infiltration, and ground cover.

“Atkins Ranch was one of the first companies in the world to join the Savory programme,” Maher said.

“Part of the reason the programme piqued my

We are nally seeing a genuine surplus

farms and paddocks are being shut for silage. The likelihood of less silage being made this season may tempt some to shut the paddocks up for longer to get a higher yield. While you will get more silage, it will be of poorer quality slower regrowth. Trials suggests that the ME value of pasture decreases 0.3 MJ/kgDM per week of closure, and when feeding pasture silage milksolid response will drop 15-24 gMS/kgDM for every drop of 1MJME. We are starting to see stem elongation in pasture so the drop off in quality is likely to be greater with later shut silage.

For example, a light crop of silage yielding 2,500 kgDM/ha at 11MJME/kgDM when fed out may produce 125kgMS/ha of silage.

A heavier crop of 3,500 kgDM/ha at 10MJME/kgDM will only give 91 kgMS/ha of silage.

Heavy crops shut up for longer, as well as having slower regrowth, also shade out clover and small daughter tillers reducing pasture persistency. Aim to cut silage before canopy closure and obvious seed heads, ideally no more than 40 days since last grazing.

Atkins Ranch chief executive officer Pat Maher said he saw regenerative agriculture as leaving the land in a better state for future generations.

One of Atkins Ranch’s suppliers was the Guscott family of Martinborough’s Glen Eden. Maher said leaving the land better than it was found included improving soil health, minimising tillage, and encouraging biodiversity rather than monocultures.

Glen Eden, suppliers to Atkins Ranch, in South Wairarapa. PHOTO/FILE

Grace Prior

people who mean business

The sun is coming, and Matt is ready to spruce

Matt Laing has twenty years’ experience of indoor tiling

in the Wairarapa, building on tiling skills originally perfected in London’s tube stations.

Recent tiling projects include outdoor paving, fireplaces, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Matt can meet your every tiling need from porcelain or glass to ceramic, stone, and mosaic. He can suggest design and layout options and is a Certified Waterproof Membrane Applicator which comes with a ten-year guarantee.

ACROSS: 1 Strange, 4 Medication, 9 Uncover, 13 Late, 14 Feared, 15 Awning, 16 Oratory, 19 Thoroughly, 20 Abnormal, 21 Fight, 24 Uneasy, 25 Admire, 27 Dispersed, 32 Hibiscus, 33 Kindle, 34 Circled, 38 Alliance, 39 Treble, 40 Chop, 41 Claim, 42 Essay, 45 Little by little, 52 Unite, 55 Dross, 56 Stop, 57 Column, 58 Ravenous, 61 Gainful, 62 Hordes, 63 Tasteful, 66 Revolting, 68 Larvae, 69 Annexe, 73 Gavel, 74 Platform, 76 Crankshaft, 81 Utensil, 82 Cicada, 83 Climax, 84 Odds, 85 Bellows, 86 Bluebottle, 87 Swindle.

: 1 Split, 2 Rationed, 3 Emerge, 4 Mural, 5 Dodo, 6 Charade, 7 Tenant, 8 Owner, 10 Norm, 11 Outline, 12 Earthy, 17 Conspiracy, 18 Warps,

Minstrel, 23 Orbit, 24 Unaware, 26 Dice, 28 Illicit, 29 Fiscal, 30 Unreal, 31 Desist, 33 Kebab, 35 Colon, 36 Alps, 37 Doll, 43 Serial, 44 Arson, 46 Iota, 47 Typhoon, 48 Encode, 49 Yells, 50 Immature, 51 Enamel, 52 Usefulness, 53 Iron, 54 Essence, 59 Kudos, 60 Asia, 64 Stalk, 65 Regarded, 67 Eternal, 68 Lumbago, 70 Castle, 71 Locate, 72 Sneaks, 75 Trial, 77 Raise, 78 Taste, 79 View, 80 Scot.

Events

Justice of the Peace: Greytown Library 11am-1pm; Martinborough Library 11am-1pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Featherston Community Centre, 7.30-8.30pm. Call 0800 229 6757.

Belly Dance for Beginners: Kiwi Hall, Featherston, 6.30-7.30pm. Call Antonia Blincoe [021] 105-7649.

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High Street, Carterton,1pm for 1.30 pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672.

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

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

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

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

Fareham Creative Space: Open studio, 10am-3pm, 80 Underhill Rd, Featherston. Email: registrations@ farehamcreativespace.nz Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 6.30pm.

Food Market: Food trucks, 4.307.30pm outside the Masterton Town Hall, rain or shine.

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

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 9.30am-12.30pm.

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

Masterton Art Club: 10am-2pm, tutored classes available, also print on Fridays, at 12 Victoria St. Call Sue 377-7019 or Elissa [0274] 706-528.

Masterton Petanque Club: 2pm, in Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane 377-3064.

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

Narcotics Anonymous: 7.308.30pm, at St Matthew’s Church, Church St, Masterton.

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

Patient Activity Programme: At Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-1pm. Call Kirsten 399 1050.

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 5-7pm at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066.

Ruamahanga Club: Cards – 500, 1-4pm, at Wairarapa Services Club, Essex St, Masterton.

Social Learners Bridge: 1-3.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Barbara [06] 304-9208.

Steady As You Go: Falls Prevention and Balance Class, 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

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

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

Wairarapa Genealogy Branch: Family History Research Rooms, 5 Church St, Masterton, open 1-4pm. Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon, at the Masterton Aerodrome. Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, intermediate, 1-2.30pm. Call 377-5518 or 377-1135.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28

South Wairarapa Rebus Club: 10am at the South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club. Excursions held on any fifth Friday in a month. Call John Reeve 379-9379.

Aratoi: Masterton Museum: A Cabinet of Curiosities to July 2023; Breadcraft Wairarapa Schools’ Art to Oct 30.

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

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

Cloth Collective Sewing Workshop: 10am-2pm, Kiwi Hall Supper Room. Call Sara Uruski [0274] 474-959.

Dance Fit: At Carrington Park, Carterton, at 6-7pm. Text dance groove to [022] 321-2643.

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

Fareham Creative Space: Open

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

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

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

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

Needlework & Craft Drop-in: 10am-noon, Featherston Community Centre. Call May [06] 308-6912 or Virginia [06] 308-8392.

Masterton Croquet Club: Golf Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward 377-4401.

Masterton Masters Swimming Club: Club night 5.30-6.30pm, Trust House Recreation Centre back pool. Call Stu [027] 295-4189 or Lucy [021] 0204-4144.

Masterton Social Badminton Club: Chanel College gymnasium, Herbert St, enter through treelined entrance [by the bus stop], 7-9pm. Contact Melissa [027] 327-0505.

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

Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service: Quit Clinic at Whaiora 9am-noon. Free support available across Wairarapa. Call Whaiora 0800 494 246.

Walk and Talk: Meet outside Dish Cafe, First St, Masterton, 9.30am.

SATURDAY,

OCTOBER 29

Featherston Town Market: Organised by the Featherston Menzshed, at the town square [59 Fitzherbert St], Featherston.

Justice of the Peace: Featherston Library 11am-1pm.

Wairarapa Embroiderers Guild: At the Ranfurly Club Rooms, Chapel St, Masterton. Call Billie Sims 3782949 or Jenny 377-0859 or email Wairarapaembroiderers@gmail.com

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High Street, Carterton, 1pm for 1.30 pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672.

Carterton District Historical Society: 150 High St North, Carterton. Open by appointment. Call 379-5564.

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

Featherston Heritage Museum: Behind the Featherston Library and Information Centre. Sat and Sun 10am-2pm, other times by arrangement. Call Elsa [021] 2639403.

Featherston Weekly Market: 8am2pm, 33 Fitzherbert St. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595.

Justice of the Peace: Service centre available at Masterton Library, 10am-noon.

Lions Book Sale: 9am-1pm, next to Wairarapa Farmers Market, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton, under the grandstand.

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

Martinborough Museum: Open Sat and Sun at No 7 The Square, 10.30am-2.30pm. Donation/koha appreciated.

Parkrun: Weekly 5km run/walk. Measured, timed, free. 8am start, at the Woodside end of the Greytown rail trail. Info: parkrun.co.nz/ greytownwoodsidetrail Saturday in the Park: Food trucks by the Skate Park, QE Park 10am-2pm, rain or shine.

Tinui Craft Corner and Museum: Open Sat/Sun 10am-4pm. Call Lesley Hodgins [06] 372-6433.

Toy Library: Masterton: 10am1pm, 365 Queen St. Featherston: 14 Wakefield St, 10am-noon.

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

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

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

Wairarapa Country Music Club: Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St, Masterton, at 1.30pm. Call Pam 377-5141.

Masterton Marauders Wargaming Club: At the Masterton Croquet Club, 1-5pm. Call Vince Cholewa [027] 344-1073 or visit http:// mastertonmarauders.blogspot.co.nz

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

Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm.

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

Masterton Petanque Club: Club day 2pm, in Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane 377-3064.

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

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

Rotary Sunday Market: 6.3011.30am, Essex St car park. Contact thehodsons@xtra.co.nz

South Wairarapa Pipe Band: Practice at St John’s church hall, Featherston, 4-6pm. To confirm time please call Gordon [027] 414-7433 or [027] 628-5889.

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

MONDAY, OCTOBER 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

Citizens Advice Bureau: Free and confidential advice, Mon-Fri 9am4pm, 43 Perry St, Masterton. Call 377-0078 or 0800 367-222.

Creative Hands Programme: At Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-noon. Call Kirsten 399-1050.

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

Epilepsy Support Group: 11am at the Salvation Army office, 210 High St South, Carterton. Call 0800 20 21 22. Featherston Music Club: 7-9pm. Call Shaun O’Brien [027] 672-6249. Free Community Fit Club: 6am and 11am, Carrington Park, Carterton. Call Di [027] 498-7261.

GirlGuidingNZ: Masterton Rangers, 12½-18 years, 6.30-8pm. South Wairarapa Guides [Greytown], 9-12½ years, 6-8pm. Call Sharon [021] 033-0550.

Hospice Wairarapa Support Services: Free of charge for anyone dealing with a terminal illness. Call [06] 378-8888.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 9.30am-12.30pm.

Keep Fit!: 9.30am, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

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

Literacy Aotearoa: Free computing and digital device classes for adults. Call 377-4214.

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

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

Play Gym: St James Church Hall 116 High St, Masterton, 9.30-11am, for 0-3-year-olds.

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 6-8pm at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066.

Senior Citizens Club: Cards 1-4pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Val [06] 308-9293.

Steady As You Go: Falls Prevention and Balance Class, Featherston: 9.30am, A/G Church. Masterton: 1.30pm, Senior Citizens’ Hall, Cole St. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066.

The Dance Shed: 450A Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Beginners Linedance Class: 6-7pm. Linedance Intermediate Class: 7.30-8.30pm. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814.

Troubadour Music Group: 6-8pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, 41 Perry St, Masterton. Contact Stefan [027] 226-6019.

Wairarapa Services Club: Cards –500, 1.30pm, at the club, Essex St, Masterton.

Wairarapa Stop Smoking Service: Call a Quit Coach based at Whaiora 0800 494 246.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

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

Wairarapa Spinners & Weavers: Meet 7pm in The Wool Shed, Dixon St, Masterton. Call Trish 378-8775 or Josie 378-6531.

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

Featherston Toy Library: Featherston Community Centre, 9-11am.

Caregivers Programme: At Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, noon-1.30pm. Call Kirsten 399 1050.

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

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High Street, Carterton,1pm for 1.30 pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672.

Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North. Open 2-4pm or by appointment. Call Vivienne 379-5564 or email carterton. hist.soc@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Featherston Amateur Wrestling Club: Beginners, 5-9 years, 5.306.15pm; 10 years+ [including adults] 6.15-7.30pm.

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

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

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

Free Literacy and Numeracy Classes: At Literacy Aotearoa Masterton. Call Carol [022] 524-5994 or visit us at 340 Queen Street, Masterton.

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

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

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

Masterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 7.30pm, St Matthew’s Church Hall, 35 Church St. Call Anne 378-2338 or David [021] 116-5505.

Masterton Croquet Club: Golf Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward 377-4401.

Masterton Senior Citizens and Beneficiaries Association: Meet for social indoor bowls, 500 cards, or a chat 1-3pm, Senior Citizens hall, Cole St. Call Ngaire 377-0342.

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

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 9amnoon at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066.

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

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

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

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

Wairarapa Services Club: Cards –Euchre, 1pm, at the club, Essex St, Masterton.

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

Greytown Miniature Makers: 10am2pm to make small thing in scale. All skill levels. Call Kaylene [06] 304-8532.

Toi Wairarapa – Heart of Arts: 10 Minute Bites, 12.10pm, BYO sandwich.

Housie: 7pm, at the Martinborough Bowling Club, Regent St.

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

AA Meeting: At 7.30pm, Epiphany church hall, High St, Solway, Masterton. Call [027] 557-7928.

Athletics Wairarapa: Club night, 5.45-7pm, Colin Pugh Sports Bowl, Masterton, all ages and abilities welcome.

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

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

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

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

Masterton: Citizens Advice, 10-noon.

Free Classes: Literacy, language and numeracy for adult learners. Call Literacy Aotearoa 377-4214.

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

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

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

Heart of Arts Wairarapa: A community gallery, 47 High St North, Carterton, Wed-Fri, 10am-4pm, weekends, 10am-2pm.

Juesday Art: 10am-12.30pm, AOG Church, Birdwood St, Featherston. Call Julia [06] 308-8109.

Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB noon-2pm.

Kiddie Gym: For 0-3-year-olds, 9.3011am, at St David’s Church, corner High and Victoria Sts, Carterton. Call Lorna or Abby 379-8325.

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

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

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

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

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

Recreational Walking Group: 9.30am, Essex St car park. Call Ann Jackson, 372-5758, or Ann Duckett, 378-8285.

Scrabble Club: 1-4pm in Masterton. Phone Sue McRae [027] 449-0601 for venue details.

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

South Wairarapa Caregivers Programme: At a café in South Wairarapa, 10am. Call Kirsten 3991050.

Soulway Cooking and Crafts: 10amnoon, High St, Masterton. Call Nikki Smith 370-1604 [church office].

Te Runga Scouts: Cubs, 6-7.30pm, 45 Harley St, Masterton. The Dance Shed: 450A Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Line Dance Class 6-7pm; Rock N Roll Dance Class: 7.308.30pm, Beginners/Couple Coaching, Social/Competitive. Call Wendy [027] 319-9814.

Wairarapa Rockers: Rock’n’roll. Couple inquiries to [027] 333-1793.

Wairarapa Services Club: Rummikub, 1pm, at the club, Essex St, Masterton.

Wairarapa Singers: Choral singing, based in Masterton. Call Sean Mulcahy 379-9316.

Wairarapa Spinners & Weavers: 10am in The Wool Shed, Dixon St, Masterton. Call Trish 378-8775 or Josie 378-6531.

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

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

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

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Public Notices

Taylor to take on Berlin

ATHLETICS

Chris Cogdale

Missing a season of club rugby will be the biggest sacrifice for Wairarapa disabled athlete Josh Taylor after his selection for the 2023 Special Olympics Summer Games in Berlin.

Taylor, 20, was last week named in the 40-strong New Zealand team that will travel to the German capital in June for eight days of competition.

More than 7000 athletes from 190 countries will compete across 26 sports in the world’s largest inclusive sporting event.

Taylor, who suffers from mild intellectual disability with global developmental delay, will compete in the 200m and 400m and possibly a sprint relay and in the javelin throw.

Although excited about the prospect of representing New Zealand, Taylor is disappointed he will miss a season of rugby, usually on the wing or off the bench, for his beloved Masterton Red Star senior reserve team.

“I have to miss out on rugby so yeah, but I think it’s a good thing, so I don’t get injured,” Taylor said.

The four-time Wairarapa Disabled Sportsperson of the Year winner and the People’s Choice award winner at the 2021-22 Wairarapa Sports Awards will ramp up his training over the summer, with a heavy schedule under Athletics Wairarapa coach John Quinn.

The Special Olympics National Summer Games in December in Hamilton are his initial target, followed by a tilt at the para events at the National Track and Field Championships in Wellington in March 2023.

First up though Taylor will join the full New Zealand team at their first training camp in Wellington from November 4-6 where the competitors will get to know each other and their coaches.

The World Summer Games will be the pinnacle of many of the Special Olympians’ careers and chief executive of Special Olympics New Zealand Carolyn Young said it’s vital they get a thorough build-up. That resulted in the naming of the national team being brought forward because of the covid forced postponement of the 2021 National Summer Games.

“That created a tricky situation for naming a team for the World Summer Games because we want to give the team a decent period to prepare, so we decided to name the team ahead of the National Summer Games,” Young said.

In the lead-up to the World Summer Games, the New Zealand delegation will first travel to the south of Germany where they will be hosted by the city of Garching on the outskirts of Munich from June 12-15. From there, they will move into the Berlin athletes’ village ahead of the opening ceremony on June 17.

Special Olympics New Zealand received a large

number of nominations from 21 clubs around the country making the competition places in many sports fierce.

“New Zealand only gets limited allocations in the nine sports we are competing in, so we had to make some difficult decisions and some very deserving athletes had to miss out,” Young said.

The athletes will be supported by 19 coaches and support staff, under the guidance of the head of delegation Rowena Massey, who was assistant head of delegation at the last World Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Massey said that the selection process included a complex set of considerations, not just the sporting ability, as Special Olympics athletes have different intellectual disabilities or additional health challenges.

“Flying around the world to compete and live in an unfamiliar environment can be very challenging for our athletes,” she said.

“We had to consider how independent the athletes are if they can travel without their family if their health situation allows them to travel, but also how long have they been part of Special Olympics or if they have attended previous World Games.”

Taylor said he is pretty happy and very proud of his achievement, and he would love to see his photo on the wall of the Wairarapa College hall alongside the school’s other New Zealand representatives.

Stewart