Wairarapa Midweek Wed 8th May

On September 23, 1990 – a Sunday, according to Google – a time capsule in a cardboard box was created.

Apart from the date, the only other clue to the capsule’s provenance is that it was “put down as part of Childrens Pavement Art Day”.

Also, those in charge of the “putting down” process were very clear on when the capsule could be opened. On the front of the modestsized cardboard box, bordered by bright red marker pen is the instruction, “Not to be opened until 2011.”

The shifting sands of time worked their strange magic: 2011 came and went, and the

time capsule remained sealed.

In fact, where the capsule has been since 1990 is something of a mystery.

Becky Bateman, Aratoi’s public programmes and communications manager, was handed custodianship of the box “a few years ago”, she said.

“Jo [Torr, collections curator] was tidying the collections room and said, ‘I think this is one for you, Becky’, and handed me this box. ‘I’m not sure what it is, do you want it?’.

“I was like, ‘Sure, why not!’”

Unsure of a good time to open it, Bateman popped it under her desk for safekeeping.

With International Museum Day [IMD] on May 18, this month seemed “as good a time as any to crack open the capsule”, Bateman said.

“The IMD’s tagline is ‘unlocking knowledge,’ so it feels appropriate that we are unlocking this box of 1990s knowledge now.”

Bateman invited Midweek to witness the unsealing of the

time capsule on May 3.

The 34-year-old box is in surprisingly good condition, Bateman said.

“It’s survived quite a bit, this box, including the redevelopment of the former Arts Centre in the early 2000s when the Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History was built.”

Bateman confessed to feeling “a little nervous and excited” before the un-boxing.

“There’s no indication of what’s inside the box, or who put the items in there. It’s a mystery.”

The first item Bateman gently pulled out of the box gave a clue as the rest of the capsule’s contents.

It was an A4 State Insurance envelope with the following inscription: “TIME CAPSULE 23.09.1990 [the year the gym was pegged out].

Becky Bateman holding the mysterious 1990 time capsule.

PHOTO/LUCY COOPER

Cat rescue in need of a miracle

Julia Mahony julia.mahony@age.co.nz

Almost 50 wild or abandoned cats have been rescued in Wairarapa this year by an Upper Huttbased charitable trust – but an over $5000 vet bill has put its work in jeopardy.

Rachel Aaltonen, who runs Rachel’s KittyCat Rescue, must transport the Wairarapa cats to her Upper Hutt care facility, due to a lack of local foster carers. She has just one person to call on in Wairarapa to give shelter and time to rescued cats.

Aaltonen rescues wildborn kittens, abandoned cats and pregnant felines in Wairarapa because “the need in the area is so great”. She relies on about 15 Wairarapa volunteers to help with rescues, transport and fundraising.

“Hotspots for cat abandonments are golf courses, along rivers, in Queen Elizabeth Park in Masterton, and in Martinborough,” Aaltonen said.

“Over the past year, we have rescued at least 46 cats from Queen Elizabeth Park alone, thanks to [volunteers] Jenny and Lesley.”

Aaltonen’s work in Wairarapa began four years

LETTERS

ago, when Featherstonbased cat rescuer Lee Priday was seeking someone to take over in the area.

Aaltonen now drives about 500km a week, rescuing and transporting cats around the Wellington region, with the cost of fuel another expense. In four months of this year alone, KittyCat Rescue took in almost 100 cats, half of those from Wairarapa.

The trust’s aim is the care, desexing, socialisation and adoption of wild and abandoned cats. However, the vet bill has skyrocketed to more than $5,500, with many Wairararapa cats treated at Valley Cottage Vets in Lower Hutt.

“Thankfully, I don’t have a bill that size in Wairarapa,” Aaltonen said. “We work with The

Vet Clinic Wairarapa in Masterton and they have been fantastic.”

She had managed to reduce the Hutt vet bill from almost $7,000 – but last weekend, two rescued cats named Calico and Cesare needed urgent and expensive care. Calico’s surgery for a badly broken leg is likely to cost thousands of dollars.

“After-hours emergency vet visits cost $180 alone,” Aaltonen wrote on the trust’s Facebook page. “I can’t keep doing this – we

need a miracle, we are literally stuck.”

While Aaltonen said she has a good relationship with the SPCA, many of her rescued cats could not be passed on to them, as the animals were wild and unsocial.

“Euthaniasia is not something I take lightly,” she said.

As the weather cools, more cats are needing help: “It’s the time of year when lots of kittens who can’t fend for themselves come out of the woodwork.”

Queen Elizabeth Park had been a known “dumping zone” for 30 years, and had a large colony of feral and abandoned cats, Aaltonen said.

“People just keep doing it. The saddest I’ve seen is cats dumped alongside their belongings – bedding, bowls and blankets. I’ve seen mums giving birth to kittens in hen laying quarters at egg farms.”

Aaltonen has three cats of her own – Charlie, Skye and Butters – plus five foster cats she cares for in a spare room in her house. Most rescue cats are kept at KittyCat Rescue headquarters in central Upper Hutt.

She has rescued cats with severe injuries, infested with fleas, worms and maggots, and suffering from cat flu and malnutrition.

“I’ll be helping cats until I’m on my deathbed,” she said. “It may be stressful at times, but I haven’t suffered from depression since I started cat rescue.”

KittyCat Rescue is “desperate for donations,” and Aaltonen has invited people to purchase tickets for the regular raffles she runs as fundraisers.

To become a cat foster carer in Wairarapa, people need a safe space for cats

Supermarkets – do better by our vulnerable citizens

I was both interested and appalled to read the letters from Richard Mathews [Midweek, May 1] – a 78-year-old gentleman, whom Countdown denied an “Everyday Rewards Card”, as he did not have an email address or a computer.

Richard’s dilemma also applies to younger citizens with disabilities as well as aged people. Recently, New World’s new owners in Masterton stopped a long-running service of phoning people at a specific time one morning a week, taking their

order, and collecting the groceries – which would then be delivered for a fee.

I am informed that resuming this service is not negotiable. Many of the above-mentioned people who used the service are blind or unable to leave their homes due to other physical disabilities. They are also unable to use a computer.

For these people, this service was a lifeline, enabling them to remain independently in their home. Ceasing it has caused ongoing significant distress.

New World suggested a caregiver or family member could get their groceries. For many, family members are not living locally. Giving out a card and pin number to anyone for the grocery shopping, unless they are well-known and trusted, is not a safe option.

Come on, locally owned and locally operated supermarkets! Get behind our aged and vulnerable communities to find a workable solution.

Kathy Clark, Masterton

and be prepared to engage in “open communication” with the trust. KittyCat Rescue provides food, litter trays, veterinary care and other essentials.

“People who go out to work can still foster – we just give them cats that are easier to care for,” Aaltonen said. “They need to give about three hours a day to the cats and they need to have patience.”

Her advice to farmers and others trying to trap wild cats on their properties is to “have a plan before your trap”. She supports the TrapNeuter-Return method, as returning de-sexed cats to the same territory prevents others moving in.

“I would love more support from Wairarapa councils,” Aaltonen said. “Hutt Valley and Wellington City Councils have made desexing and microchipping pet cats mandatory.”

• To donate to Rachel’s KittyCat Rescue, go to the Givealittle fundraising page [givealittle.co.nz/org/ KittyCat-Rescue], email kittycatrehoming@ gmail.com, or visit the Facebook page for raffle details, bank account numbers and updates.

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.

Rachel’s KittyCat Rescue is facing crippling vet bills. INSERT: Rachel Aaltonen, who rescues wild and abandoned cats in Wairarapa. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Festival writes the next chapter

nce upon a time... a volunteer for the Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival, Melissa Stockley, asked festival director Mary Biggs, “Is there anything else you need help with?”

Her generosity – and politeness – paid off.

“Would you run the Young Readers Programme in two weeks?” Mary asked. Melissa, a project manager by day who “loves taking on extra responsibilities”, instantly replied, “Yes!”

Three years on, Melissa is gearing up for the third installment of the Young Reader’s Programme [YRP], a three-day event designed to extend the festival’s main kaupapa of “instilling and inspiring the love of reading and writing to our young people”.

YRP was “born out of wanting Featherston Booktown to be a little bit of a disrupter”, Melissa said.

“So we thought we’d start younger, and just get that message out there. And help young people think about reading and writing outside of the traditional book, or the reading and writing that’s more formally prescribed in school.

“We’re trying to find fun and exciting ways to give students the confidence to communicate across different mediums and to find their love for reading and writing.”

In the first couple of years, YRP “went big”, Melissa said.

There were 30-35 separate activities, which the YRP team was taking to students as far as Masterton. However, with the festival’s South Wairarapa location in mind, the programme has been scaled back this year.

“We’ve tried to focus on South Wairarapa, so we can work closely with our local rangatahi, and safeguard the future of Booktown.

“We’re hoping that it will be those young people who will perhaps become some of the talent presenting at the festival in a few years, or volunteering for the festival”.

It appears this strategy is already paying off.

Two of this year’s YRP presenters both attended a Joy Cowley workshop at a previous festival and were inspired to write their own children’s books.

“They will be going into preschools to read from books that have been born directly out of the festival, which is amazing,” Melissa said.

Young writers Oscar Sweetman and Arlo Kelly – 15 and 17 years old respectively – will head into Featherston primary schools as part of YRP to share their passion for reading and writing.

“I can tell the students something till I’m blue in the face – but when they hear it from someone similar to their own age, it’s so much more inspiring,” Melissa said.

Financial support for YRP comes from a range of sources, Melissa explained, with

Mary Biggs spending “a good few months of the year” filling out funding applications.

“People really want to support activities for young people. So we get quite generous support from a lot of organisations, including South Wairarapa District Council.”

The festival’s partnership with Creative New Zealand’s Pasifika Arts Strategy has been instrumental in bringing “Pasifika: Performance and Poetry” to the 2024 YRP programme, Melisssa said.

In this three-day workshop led by poet Nafanua Kersel, participants will “learn about traditional forms of storytelling in Pacific culture through song, performance, dance and poetry” – and then create their own poetry and performance piece.

An opportunity for

participants to perform at the gala event on Saturday night of the Karukatea Festival “is another great way for families to get involved in what their kids are doing”, Melissa said.

YRP’s blossoming partnership with Pāpāwai Marae in Greytown is an aspect Melissa is particularly proud of.

This year, the partnership has resulted in an event called “Pou Mahara”, facilitated by muso and “Featherston legend” Warren Maxwell, artist and writer Terri Te Tau, and the Ammunson whānau.

At the marae, Mātai Ammunson will take ākonga [students] on a storytelling journey to understand why the Pou – which have stood guard over the marae for 119 years – face inwards, before working with Maxwell and Te Tau to draft stories and a waiata to celebrate these stories.

“It’s really important to us to build that connection with mana whenua, so that young people can hear their local stories,” Melissa said.

Other events in the YRP include workshops with bestselling children’s fantasy author James Russell, with local horror writer Denver Grenell, and with author/ columnist Emily Writes, who will also be speaking to parents and teachers about supporting neurodivergent learners.

The YRP activities are also open to teachers and students in mainstream and alternative schooling,” Melissa said.

“We work really closely with Wairarapa REAP – and [schools liaison] Trudy Sears has amazing connections with the schools across the wider region.

“So we get a lot of engagement through her hard graft of liaising with the schools and [promoting] the programme. But for those who may not have such strong connections with REAP, please email me, and we can make sure we get students involved.” YRP runs from May 8 to May 10. The full programme can be accessed at www. booktown.org.nz/youngreaders-programme-2024. Melissa Stockley can be reached via email at melissa@booktown.nz.

PHOTOS/PETE MONK

Slavick’s celebration of our town

Angela Yeoman angela.yeoman@age.co.nz

“Writing is hard,” Madeleine Slavick said.

A murmur of humorous recognition rippled through the assembled crowd of about 70 writers, artists, fans, friends, and book lovers – including Carterton Mayor Ron Mark and several local councillors. With Carterton’s Almo’s Books bursting at the seams, and platters and wine on offer from its café, Slavick’s Town, a collection of her poetry, short stories and photography – some capturing life in Wairarapa – was launched last Wednesday.

“This is a wonderful little book,” Mary McCallum, owner of The Cuba Press and publisher of Town, said as she introduced Slavick.

“Her poems, stories, and photos evoke our lives in our towns. The book is a celebration, an evocation of place – but the poems can also help us see our place anew.”

McCallum read from the poem Four Towns: In a valley along the highway, four consecutive towns, / as if someone had once skipped a stone. / Each town takes its English name after a British man / of the 1800s and offers

free Wi-Fi.

Writing might be hard, but Slavick makes it look easy.

Well-known Carterton local Jan Farr, followed by William Connor and Philippa Tucker, each with connections to Slavick from their writing group, offered up readings from Town. Farr said all modern poetry is said to stem from the approach of either Walt Whitman or Emily Dickenson. She read two poems described as “from Dickenson’s camp.”

(Not): we try to be ready with / the calm of

toast and peanut butter, even though she is / not supposed to like us.

Parent: I am alone with the child who has fallen asleep beside me … and the only thing I know is that I want no danger.

Tucker said that Town wasn’t built in a day. She had watched Slavick constantly investing time and striving to make her poems better. Connor described Slavick’s poems as “clean, bright, with no stickiness around her words, like a clean bone or a stone”.

Many writers are known

The Printcraft

for their need for isolation when writing. “Madeleine is not like that,” McCallum said. “She is not an island. Not even an archipelago. She’s a continent.”

Slavick has many cultural connections in Wairarapa including working at Aratoi, Almo’s Books, and Carterton Library, and establishing the community-based Wairarapa Word, which connects New Zealand writers to local readers.

At the launch, she gave thanks to Almo’s Books’ owner Steve Laurence, “who has supported me for

12 years,” and Carterton’s Creative Communities that has funded Town into all the libraries and secondary schools in Wairarapa. She also thanked her beloved partner, Ian, “who keeps me calm through big things and little things”, her equally artistic sisters, and her mother, who is currently battling health issues.

Slavick grew up in the US and spent 25 years living and working in Hong Kong, before relocating to rural Carterton 12 years ago. Town is the third book focused solely

on Slavick’s own artistic endeavours, but her work appears in dozens of collaborations with other writers, anthologies, and in exhibitions in Aotearoa and around the world. Slavick is now embarking on a book tour for Town, which will include events in Masterton, Carterton, Featherston, Wellington and Auckland. More information and tour dates are available on Wairarapa Word’s Facebook page.

• Copies of Town can be purchased online at thecubapress.nz.

Carterton author and photographer Madeleine Slavick signs a copy of her book Town at its launch at Almo’s Bookshop last week.

PHOTO/ANGELA YEOMAN

Local theatre keeps it short, snappy and fun

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

As a wise man [William Shakespeare] once said, “Brevity is the soul of wit” – and Greytown Little Theatre’s [GLT] latest offering has plenty of wit – and tears, tantrums, quiche, and murder – to go around.

Next week, GLT will be opening its mid-year show, “Quick & Quirky”: A season of short plays – all under 10 minutes – and monologues.

The eight pieces, brought to life by a company of both veteran and up-and-coming performers and GLT members, cover a range of topics: Marital woes, unromantic dinners, attempted matricide in the wilderness, women in theatre, and [speaking of The Bard] the challenges associated with Shakespearean plays.

“It’s a diverse and entertaining programme – and should prove to be a lot of fun for our

audiences,” GLT president John Gilberthorpe said. One of the monologues comes from the play Smoke and Mirrors, performed by Greytownbased writer and radio host Lucy Cooper – playing a director attempting to stage an outdoor Shakespearian production in the grounds of a local pub. “Reminiscent of GLT’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Cobblestones a few years ago,” Gilberthorpe said.

In the monologue, taken from the play by E C Chapman, Cooper’s character reflects on the “tricky process” involved with al fresco theatre – including managing “an interesting band of characters”, and having to mic her cast to be heard over motorway traffic.

“Anyone who’s been involved with amateur drama and regional community theatre will recognise the scenarios and people she has to deal with,” Cooper said.

“She’s a neat character – I play her very posh! And the script is very funny. It creates such a vivid picture in a short space of time.”

Continuing with the 16th century drama theme, Melinda Francis and Julia Harris will deliver the “very amusing” One Solitary Line – where two actresses bemoan the fact that Shakespeare “never wrote any good roles for women, not even a soliloquy!”

The final Shakespearean chapter will be a shortexcerpt from Othello, directed by and starring students from Kuranui College, three of whom are members of GLT’s thriving youth programme. The students’ excerpt was awarded the Colin Palmer Spirit of Shakespeare Award [named for late GLT stalwart Colin Palmer] at last month’s regional Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival. Taking a more comedic direction are Anna Logan and Egan Tearle in A Ring Is Round It Has No Ending

by New Zealand author Lindsey Brown – featuring a bride with unexpected criteria for the perfect engagement ring.

Long-time GLT members and seasoned Wairarapa thespians Victoria Ross and Greg Webb will appear in Camp David by UK dramatist Tony Domaille, playing a couple who head off on a camping trip – with murderous intent.

Ross, who directed GLT’s recent production of “Ladies Day”, said the play is “really quirky and full of black humour.”

“It’s been fun playing with it, as there’s physical

humour that requires exact and careful timing,” she said.

“And, yes, it’s very murdery!”

Melinda Francis and Dave Adams will share the monologues “Quiche Isn’t Sexy” and “It’s Terrible Being Nice” from American author Gabriel Davis. Julia Harris will then deliver two short pieces by English writer/actor Joyce Grenfell.

• Quick and Quirky will run at Studio 73, 73 Main St, Greytown, from May 16 to 18, starting at 7.30pm, with a

matinee on Sunday May 19, at 3pm. The May 16 show is already sold out. Tickets are $25, and $15 for students. For bookings, contact John Gilberthorpe on 0274 586 126, or email greytownlittle theatrenz@ gmail. com.

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Victoria Ross and Greg Webb – as a couple with sinister intentions in Camp David.

PHOTO/SUPPLIED

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Pool fundraiser makes a big splash

Swimmers of all ages and stages were celebrated in Greytown last month for their part in the Central ITM Big Swim fundraising campaign to upgrade the ageing Carterton pool.

Participants in the Big Swim were invited to a dinner and awards presentation at the White Swan Hotel, held on April 29, to recognise their contribution to the monthlong fundraiser – which made a splash in more ways than one.

More than 304 people took part in the March event, swimming a combined 2,535,583 metres – which equates to a staggering average of 84,519 metres covered per swimmer.

The event attracted donations totaling more than $52,000 towards the estimated $2 million price tag needed to renovate the pool – southern Wairarapa’s only indoor swimming facility.

Carterton Swimming Club’s Scarlett Wadham swam the furthest, covering

130,000m – the equivalent of swimming the English Channel twice, the Cook Strait and Lake Taupō –and raised nearly $4,000 in the process.

She was closely followed by Jason McPhee who swam 120,000m.

In all, 10 members of the McPhee whānau covered over 271,000m across 17 different venues, including local pools, lakes and the ocean.

The achievement is consistent with the family’s swimming pedigree.

“Mum, who couldn’t be here tonight, swam Lake Wairarapa in 1958,” Jason told the audience. “Dad [Carterton Swimming Club past president Ian McPhee] was the premier swimmer in Wairarapa, but he didn’t like deep water, and I think the lake was about eight feet deep at that time.

“So he swam around the outside. Mum swam up the

guts. He had all the support vehicles. She had a guy in a row boat. She was the one that succeeded.”

Another aquatic family, the Geange whānau, covered 111,010m during the month.

Individual goals were smashed, with Justin Edge achieving his personal aim of reaching 100km by swimming 100,600m in the Carterton Pool. Local schools also got behind the

event, with more than 200 children from five schools swimming a total of 119,793 metres of the pool on March 7 — smashing their fundraising goal of $2000.

The event also attracted support from outside the region. For example, 12 members of Wellington’s Spud Buds Open Water Swimming Group covered a combined distance of 640,000m, including two 40.2km crossings of Lake Taupō.

Anna Beetham, chairperson for the Carterton Indoor Pool Project, said she is “delighted” with the result

and extremely grateful for the “outstanding support” from the participants and their Givealittle donors.

“Not only did we double our big audacious goal of covering one million metres, but we raised a significant amount of money. We are so grateful for the level of donations – which will go a long way to support future grant funding applications,” Beetham said.

The range of key sponsors was indicative of the strong community support for the pool and its long-term future, Beetham said.

These included Central ITM, Mayfair Pool & Pool Construction Ltd, Swimming Wellington, SPLASH, Printcraft, Go

Media, Wairarapa Times-Age, Mediaworks, New World Carterton and Premier Bacon.

The evening celebration in Greytown was also an opportunity to recognise the work of Catherine RossiterStead, the “brains” behind the Big Swim.

Carterton Indoor Pool Project working group member Vicky Pollock said Rossiter-Stead’s “energy, vibrancy and commitment” in pulling the event together was “incredible”.

“I just think that she’s an extraordinary person,” Pollock said. “I think the whole process that she’s taken us through in the last few months has been, really straightforward because she’s that natural leader.”

Maureen Ashby & Bernie Ellison. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

had

Kellie and Luka Lissington, Dies and Tony Browne.

Scarlett Wadham, Carter Wilkie & Justin Edge.

Kath Large and Vicky Pollock

CARTERTON DISTRICT COUNCIL

Representation Review: It’s up to you.

Have your say on the future representation of Carterton. We want your ideas on the future of representation in Carterton.

A Representation Review is a statutory requirement for all councils and must be done every six years. The Review includes community consideration of representation arrangements, number of wards,ward boundaries, number of elected members, and the establishment of community boards.

We need to ensure there is tfor-purpose, fair, and e ective representation for individuals and communities of interest in our District, and that they have their voices heard at Council level.

Elected representatives and sta have investigated a range of models for representation over recent months.

We landed on three options for your feedback.

These are:

 to maintain the status quo, of eight At Large Councillors [this means eight elected members serving everyone in the District]

 to create an “urban” ward of ve Councillors, and a “rural” ward with three Councillors.

 to create two wards, with an “urban” ward of three Councillors, a “rural” ward of two Councillors, and three At Large councillors.

However, we also want to hear your thoughts on how you feel you are being represented.

Visit cdc.govt.nz/ representationreview2024 to nd out more and have your say before Sunday 26 May.

New aerator a breath of fresh air

A breath of fresh air has arrived in Carterton, thanks to a new aerator at the council’s wastewater treatment plant.

Carterton District Council [CDC] has now installed an Aeris Global “aerdisc aerator” in Pond 3 of its wastewater treatment plant.

We were one of a select few Councils working with Aeris Global on the new aerdisc model.

The aerator replaces the old paddle type with improved oxygen transfer and water movement for the same energy usage.

Healthy Homes competition closes 27 May!

There’s still time to enter our Healthy Homes Competition. With cold weather knocking, we want to make sure that you’re ready to settle into the chilly season.

Enter our competition, and be in to win rewood, or a handy gadget to keep you home healthy! Head to for cheap and free ways to stay well and warm this winter!

HE PITOPITO KŌRERO

Makahakaha stream

The Makahakaha Stream ows parallel to Longbush Road. The stream is one of the few waterways that ows south to north.

Then as the Makahakaha Stream ows to meet with the Ruamahanga River it ows under the Parikauiti cli s.

The name of the stream, or manga or shortened to Ma, and its strength, stressed in the repetition of the Maori word kaha.

The stream that can continue its ow past the cli ’s erosion and turn the tapu Ruamahanga River so they both travel West, is indeed a strong stream.

The timing is good as the old aerator was frequently breaking down and the seasonal change can be problematic for pond systems.

Temperature swings can disrupt the process causing odours to be released. Cold, still evenings can create a

LTP update: Hearings scheduled for 15/16 May

Thank you to everyone who had a say in the public consultation on the Carterton District Council Long Term Plan 2024-2034.

thermal layer that trap air close to the ground.

This aerator replaces the old paddle type, with improved oxygen transfer and water movement in Pond 3, for the same energy usage The e ect is observed during winter where the mist forms close to

the ground which disappears when the sun rises and temperature goes up. So, the new, more e cient aerator will help to keep the ponds mixed well and stop any major temperature uctuations.

Dog control fees stay the same for 2024/2025

Visit cdc.govt.nz/healthy-homes to nd out more.

Hearings and deliberations are scheduled for Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May.

These will be open to the public, but speakers will be limited to those who stated a preference on their submission. The agenda will be available online later this week.

Council has agreed that Dog Control fees for Carterton District will stay the same for the next Council year. The changes will be updated with all our fees and charges in July, following adoption of our Long Term Plan.

Proposed Dog Registration fees for 2024/2025

 Urban – entire dogs: $110

Urban – spayed/neutered dogs $85

 Over 65 canine companion $75

 Rural – non-neutered and neutered dogs – rst two dogs $75 per dog

 Rural – non-neutered and neutered dogs – all remaining dogs $40 per dog

 Dog classi ed as dangerous $165

Opinion

Ever get some weeks, Wairarapa, where you’re ready to jump straight off the planet at the next available stop?

That was me last week.

On reading Newsroom’s interview with ACT’s socalled “Arts Spokesperson” Todd Stephenson. In the now infamous, practically satirical exchange, Stephenson admitted he knew next to nothing about the arts, repeatedly crossing swords with Newsroom literary editor Steve Braunias in the process. We learned Stephenson likes musicals, but could only recall having seen “Hamilton” in New York. He struggled to name a New Zealand author [“I’ll have to come back to you, Steve”], but he does like watching TV. And he wants to see the arts sector “supported by individuals and, you know, not have the government involved.” The government that wants to build a New Zealand where “people have more of their own money to spend on things they value”.

A bit to unpack here. But, Todd, buddy ... a little research? Type in “New Zealand authors”

Young(ish), scrappy & hungry

Erin Kavanagh-Hall

into Google, and you’re set. You can find out with a quick Google search that “Hamilton” creator Lin Manuel Miranda’s career was kickstarted by federal arts education funding. A bit of extra browsing may reveal a cool 3,64 public sector jobs cut since your coalition partners took the reigns. Not sure if those guys have much of their own money for a night at the theatre.

“Stephenson raises an interesting point about public funding for the creative sector. Especially in tough fiscal times.

We know New Zealand creators punch above their weight on the world stage [Sir Peter Jackson, Taika Waititi, Eleanor Catton, Lorde, Flight of the Conchords ...]. We know New Zealanders enjoy the arts. In 2022/23, our creative sector contributed $16.3 billion to New Zealand’s GDP.

However, the arts have been underfunded by successive administrations. A report from Creative New Zealand revealed the organisation has received almost no change to baseline funding since 2006. That ain’t likely change – so Stephenson can breathe easy.

As for whether governments “should” fund the arts – both New Zealand and overseas researchers say yes. The arts create employment and attracting tourism. They facilitate success in education, boosting critical thinking. They impact health and wellbeing. Ask anyone working at Masterton’s King Street Artworks about the power of visual arts in mental health recovery ... or in aged care about the ability of music to recall memories in dementia patients. The arts create safe spaces – from libraries

and awareness of expedient issues.

The arts simply enrich our lives. Remember the covid lockdowns – and the music, films and books keeping us sane while the world ground to a halt?

The art stores reporting a rush of last minute sales ahead of the quarantine?

The Italian citizens, shut indoors, playing violin concertos for one another from their balconies?

We’re facing some royally s*** times at the moment. Chances are, we’ll turn to the arts again to help us through. Worthy of some government investment, perhaps?

Oh, I forgot – the arts are a tool for holding the powerful to account. Less funding, less introspection,

Probably not helpful guessing Todd Stephenson’s motivations. But, surely – with the coalition government’s support taking diving of late, you’d think ACT would do better than fronting up with a spokesperson who is not only ignorant of his portfolio ... but indifferent to the climate in which this is are meant to be self-funding said portfolio? You create mass unemployment, then suggest we foot the bill for the musicals you enjoy? I see ... Mr Stephenson likes “Hamilton” apparently – so I’ll end with a quote. “If you stand for nothing ... what will you fall for?” Give it some thought ... and come back to me.

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

The cast of the musical “Hamilton” – the one musical ACT arts spokesperson Todd Stephenson can recall seeing. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Jane Sinclair, artist, art teacher and ConArt co-founder

As a child, I spent a lot of time…

Playing outdoors and drawing indoors.

On a rainy day, I love to... Paint, or look at books with images, or watch art and music videos on YouTube.

I am most passionate about painting landscapes because…

It’s the world we live in. We don’t need to travel far, as beauty is everywhere.

The person who makes me laugh the most is …

My sister Jenny. We find humour in the oddest places!

A song I can listen to on repeat is…

Little Blue by [UK singer/ songwriter] Jacob Collier –Mahogany Sessions. I listen to this every night before I go to sleep. His music plays with your emotions and finds your inner soul, often

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bringing you to tears.

The most rewarding thing about teaching art is…

Watching the students discover a whole new way of looking at the world around them. It’s magical, and they will never see it again in the same way as before.

If I had one piece of advice to offer, it would be… Look up, look down, and look far – the magic of Mother Nature is everywhere. For example, look what the light does in the last half hour before sundown.

My favourite local café is... Don Luciano – for great food, great coffee, great service, and a big warm smile from Marvin.

I can never say no to… Cheese.

More people should visit Aratoi because…

Apart from being a beautifully designed building full of precious taonga, it offers visitors a

way of seeing the world through the unique eyes of visual creators. After all, art, in all its forms, enriches our lives.

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.

MIDWEEK PHOTOS

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

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

CUTIE OF THE WEEK

Fares for under 25s are changing.

Starting 1 May 2024

The government has made the decision to withdraw the government funding for the age-based concessions that have been in place since 1 September 2023. As a result, the following fares and concessions will apply from 1 May 2024:

5-16 years old (or older if still in secondary school)

50% off adult fare applies on the Green Snapper card.

17-24 years old

Full adult fare applies on the Red Snapper card unless you qualify for other concessions such as the Tertiary Concession or Community Connect Concession.

Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility - 5–18-year-olds

(or older if still in secondary school)

50% off adult fares applies through the Accessible Concession. Use your Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card only to travel with your carer.

Rest of concessions

The rest of the other concessions do not change, you do not need to take any action.

For affected groups, top up your Snapper card or find your best fare at metlink.org.nz/findmyfare

PHOTO/FILE

Now that’s a beautiful face – and a very cool denim jacket! Reader Danielle sent in this gorgeous shot of son Asher, who had his first birthday in March. Danielle says her youngest child “loves a good laugh, the cat, his two big sisters – Noa and Maisy – and his mum, and is a big fan of his granddad”.

Becky Bateman

People are extraordinary. In their achievements, in the way they help others, in competition and in playfulness. In recognition of an event, for a service, or of a visit, one party will give a physical item to another to mark the occasion.

These objects from the Aratoi Collection have been gathered together for a new exhibition entitled “In Recognition”, which opens on Saturday, May 11.

Jo Torr, collection curator, has been working on this show for nearly a year.

“I had noticed a beautiful, engraved silver teapot in the collection and it made me wonder what other interesting objects we had that were given in recognition,” she said.

Torr has chosen an eclectic selection of objects to be displayed, from a kahu kiwi feather cloak, to medals and taonga. One intriguing piece in the exhibition is a large tavern clock which was presented to “the Citizens of Masterton” by Don Cheeseman, Croydon, England, in 1953.

A tavern clock, also known as an “Act of Parliament clock”, is a large clock designed for public spaces, and suited for inns, taverns, and staging posts. It became known as an Act of Parliament clock as the result of a tax on timepieces instigated by UK Prime Minister William Pitt in 1779.

This clock was one of three sent to New Zealand in 1953 by Cheeseman, an avid clock collector. One,

KŌRERO

“Big Ideas” are needed

Tavern clock, Jasper Taylor [1761-1770], London, 1720, wood, lead brass. Gift of the Masterton District Council.

dated 1730, was presented to Parliament, where it is still telling the time today. The second, dated 1720, was presented to the

stoats and weasels from a very large area.

Masterton District Council [then the Masterton Borough Council], which gave it to Aratoi in 2003.

The third clock may still be in private hands.

“In Recognition” is complemented by another new display going up in the Vestibule outside the Social History Gallery. Entitled “Whiriwhiri: Taonga from the Collection”, this display contains objects chosen by Wairarapa iwi representatives.

The exhibition includes a beautiful toki specimen [a Māori woodworking tool], discovered on a Wairarapa beach by Stephen Pye.

“This significant taonga was found on the beach at Otahome, south of Castlepoint, in the 1970s,” Torr said. “There was some debate about what should be done with it –

could Stephen keep it? It was discovered before the Antiquities Act of 1975 came into law, and the Protected Objects Act in 2003 that we use today.”

After some debate, the toki was returned to Pye, who presented it to the Wairarapa Arts Foundation with the approval of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Taonga display ticks along Extra

A century ago, Captain Val Sanderson founded Forest and Bird to protect and restore New Zealand’s native birds and bush. It was a radical idea for the

goal to add to his vision.

There’s no reason why we couldn’t achieve similar wonders here in Wairarapa, building on the innovative nature restoration projects already underway in our community.

For example, there is a backyard trapping

Predator-free Miramar’s success is down to local residents each doing their bit to eradicate the three troublesome introduced mammalian pests that John Key targeted with his truly aspirational Predator Free New Zealand 2050 proclamation in 2016. There’s another “Big Idea”.

Perhaps we could take another step here in Wairarapa

habitat restoration in the extensive Department of Conservation reserves in our eastern hills, joining up with the many QEII covenants and others such as the Montford Trimble Foundation.

In South Wairarapa, there is already the suggestion of linking the well-established Aorangi and Wairarapa Moana projects with the ambitious proposal

“There is no way to know the provenance of the toki, or how it came to be on the beach. There was a strong trade in stone in pre-European times, so it could have made its way to Wairarapa through trading routes,” Torr said.

• “In Recognition” opens on Saturday, May 11 and runs until Sunday, July 28, and

“Whiriwhiri: Taonga from the Collection” opens later in May.

Chris Peterson, Forest and Bird Wairarapa

Lifestyle

Star-spangled sky above us

Sky Watch

Nick Sault

Those shorter days mean we get longer nights. Hopefully, we will get a lot of cloudless nights, even though that leads to frosty mornings. The best times to see dark skies are up until May 15 and then after May 27. In between, we can enjoy a waxing moon, but diminished star viewing. From May 8-15, get out after 8pm if you want a

side of overhead. Let your eyes accustom to the dark, and you are sure to catch the hazy patches of the Magallanic Clouds just south of the main band of the Milky Way. Both those patches are the combined light of tens of millions of stars. The three brightest stars in the night sky are arrayed across that Milky Way band. From east to west, they run in

brightness: Rigil Kentaurus [Alpha Centauri], Canopus in southwest and Sirius, the brightest, in the west. Throw your eyes far over to the southeast and there rises my favourite constellation, Scorpius. Unmistakably a scorpion, as it lays across the horizon with its curly tail in the southeast, with its head in the east, punctuated with the brilliant red star Antares. Antares is a red super giant that if placed where our sun is, Earth would be somewhere deep inside it.

We get an added diamond with the fourth brightest star appearing over the northeast horizon. Arcturus is the jewel of the herdsman Bootes [not that herdsman are known for wearing jewellery]. If you can wait until later in the evening, the herdsman constellation comes into full view, with his body stretching to the northern horizon.

Where are the planets these days? None are visible in our evening skies, and you have to be an early riser to see them – 6am the best. Mercury is just above the eastern

just a tad hgher in the sky. Both are in the Pisces constellation, which lays across the eastern horizon midmonth. Saturn is another step higher still in Aquarius.

Below Mars and Saturn, the unmistakeable giant square of Pegasus rises above the northeast. Due north at this time [6am] is the big cross shape of Cygnus the swan, while coincidenatally, our southern cross is sitting just above the horizon on the complete opposite side of the sky.

Note, in this week’s picture, that Mercury has

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NASA closeup of Mercury. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Lifestyle

Talking Turkey in Masterton

Ian Grant

With the recent Anzac Day reminding us of historical ties between Turkey and New Zealand, there will be a unique chance to “Talk Turkey” when Her Excellency Omur Unsay, Ambassador for Turkey, talks to the Wairarapa branch of the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs on Thursday, May 16.

Since graduating from university in 1994, Unsay has held a number of diplomatic positions, including periods in Egypt, Russia and Slovenia.

From 2010-14, she was a member of Turkey’s permanent delegation to the European Union in Brussels and, between 2019-21, she was the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ minister plenipotentiary for Central Europe, Scandinavia and the Baltics. At the Masterton meeting, she will discuss Turkey’s present position and role in Europe and the Middle East.

Geographically situated between Asia and Europe – between the Gaza and Ukraine hotspots –modern Turkey is coping

with major internal and international problems.

Recently, President Erdogan promised to “correct our mistakes and redeem our shortcomings”. Local body elections have seen a big swing away from Erdogan’s long, strong – and sometimes controversial – leadership

in favour of the centre-left Republican Party in both Istanbul and Ankara [the capital], although support for Erdogan remains strong in the provinces.

As Turkish society is somewhat at odds with fundamentalist Islamic views, the posting of a second woman

ambassador to New Zealand is significant, and Unsay is likely to comment on women’s issues.

Turkey is no stranger to facing ethnic or sectarian issues, as the longstanding Greek/Turkish issues in Cyprus have uncomfortably shown.

An important member

of NATO, Turkey recently struck a deal to allow Sweden’s membership of the alliance. Eastern Turkey has a large Kurdish population and activities by supporters of Kurdish independence in Sweden was the issue. Turkey is also anxious to have good relations with Russia, but will be watching events in Georgia where there has been strong protest against attempts to impose Moscow style “security” legislation.

Turkey is also guardian of the Bosphorus Straits Convention, which forbids transit of foreign warships belonging to countries at war. Therefore, Russian Mediterranean units are unable to return to home bases in the Black Sea, while Turkey has been crucial in brokering the passage of ships carrying Ukrainian grain – vital for both food recipients and Ukrainian foreign exchange.

• The meeting will be held at Rosewood, 417 Queen St, Kuripuni, at 7.30pm on May 16. Coffee and tea available from 7pm. A koha from non-members is appreciated.

Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Omur Unsay speaks during Anzac Day dawn service at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Lifestyle

Artist wins global accolade

Kate

Judson kate.judson@age.co.nz

One of the four Māori artists from the Mataaho Collective, which won the prestigious Golden Lion at the 60th Venice Biennale for their installation last week, is Dr Terri Te Tau, who was raised in Wairarapa and is of Rangitāne and Ngāti Kahungunu descent.

“It’s still sinking in. Having our work chosen for a Golden Lion is incredible,” she said. She noted that it’s the first time the international art accolade has been awarded to New Zealand artists.

“We hope it will encourage more support and pathways for our artists to create and exhibit locally and internationally,” Te Tau said.

Since 2012, Te Tau has worked alongside Erena Arapere-Baker, Sarah Hudson, and Bridget Reweti in Mataaho to create works like Takapau – which won the Golden Lion and was made of woven and latticed polyester high-vis tiedowns.

She said the work was first planned, designed, and installed at Te Papa in November 2022, and “was only taken down from the Threshold Gallery at Te

A

in

Papa in February this year”.

“It was packed down really beautifully, with each strop rolled up, numbered, and packed into purposebuilt cases.

“We re-wove the work in Venice.

“We’ve got a couple of proposals in the pipeline. If they go ahead, it will keep us busy for the next two years.”

Aratoi Museum director Sarah McClintock said with Takapau, the Mataaho Collective have earned a landmark achievement in one of the supreme exhibitions in the international art world.

“It can’t be overstated how significant but also how well deserved this is,”

Night of Innovation and Style

she said. “It shows you how great and strong New Zealand’s artists are.”

Mataaho has gone from strength to strength as a collective, McClintock said, and their piece is “one of the most incredible artworks created in New Zealand”.

She said there is an

Kitchen, Bathroom and Tile Design!

indescribable feeling while standing underneath the work, when observing the installation in the flesh. “The feeling of the unapologetic wāhine Māori perspective really celebrating their point of view. It’s beautiful.”

McClintock also said it isn’t surprising that

someone from the Te Tau whānau won the award because they are “creative powerhouses.”

Te Tau agreed – there are many artists in her whānau.

“My dad is an artist, and mum used to do LED lighting when I was little, which I found really fascinating,” she said “My Nana Marj was a master at anything related to needlework, lacemaking, and embroidery.”

Based in Manawatū, in addition to being an artist, Te Tau is a writer and is researching the connections between indigenous knowledge systems, speculative fiction, science, and the environment.

She completed a PhD in Creative Arts from Massey University in 2015, before becoming a postdoctoral fellow at Massey University.

Te Tau was born in Sydney to parents who were both from Wairarapa, and moved back to the region when she was five, attending Lansdowne School, Masterton Intermediate, and Wairarapa and Mākoura Colleges.

She remains passionate about Wairarapa history, and much of her writing and research work is based here.

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From left to right, Terri Te Tau, Bridget Reweti, Sarah Hudson, and Erena Arapere-Baker under Takapau 2022 at Te Papa. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Below: Mataaho Collective’s work Takapau at the 60th Venice Biennale.

Graeme Burnard

Imagine the father of the bride standing up to make a speech and telling the guests his daughter was “the ugly duckling of the family”. What do you think happened to him? Well, he was booed out of the room and I don’t fancy his chances when he got home either.

I knew a similar kind of man once. He was my first wife’s father. He had no friends, and his family were in fear of him. He had two daughters. My wife and her older sister, as well as three sons.

When the sister got married, he decided there were four people on the guest list he didn’t like and he demanded they be removed from the list. The problem was, it was only a week before the wedding and they had already accepted the invitation. He hounded the poor girl, eventually giving her an ultimatum. It’s them or me. The groom then stepped in to the fracas and made it very clear

the guests were staying. Misery Guts stayed home and everyone was happy.

Then came our wedding a few years later.

The day before we got married, the future in-laws drove down from Gisborne. They weren’t staying with us but we were expecting them for dinner. As soon as the car pulled up, the atmosphere in the house changed. Mother came in first and quickly said: “Don’t upset your father. He wants to say something. Just go along with it.”

Well, he certainly had something to say. I can still remember the conversation nearly 40 years later.

[Him]: Why aren’t I walking my daughter down the aisle?

[Me]: Because we are walking in together.

[Him]: I insist on walking my daughter down the aisle. It’s a father’s right. Even in the deepest Congo.

[Me]: You’ve been to Africa have you?

[Him]: Don’t be so bloody smart. It’s my right.

[Me]: It’s also the right of the father to contribute towards the cost of the wedding. You haven’t exercised that right yet. You will not be walking your daughter down the aisle.

[Him]: And I understand you are having a buffet dinner. There is no way I am joining a queue to get food. I am the father of the bride, I expect to be served at the table.

[Me]: You will not be walking down the aisle. You will not be served at the table. You have not contributed to the cost of this wedding, so you have no rights. You are coming as a guest.

[Him]: Well in that case, I’m not coming.

He didn’t – and we were glad.

As a side note, three years later, they came to stay with us for three weeks. His behaviour was so bad, I ended up kicking him out of the house after four days and I never saw or spoke to him again. The marriage lasted another five years.

More than once, people have suggested I write a book about my

experiences as a marriage celebrant. There are a few stories I could tell. None about fathers of the bride, a few about some of the mothers.

I’ve seen guest lists that have more of the parents’ friends on them than that of the bride and groom. I’ve seen guests being charged at the door for the cost of the reception, and I have seen families with so much dissent amongst them, they wouldn’t even stand together in the same photo.

One that stands out for me was a young couple who got married on a Saturday morning, with a witness each and a shop bought cake. The bride’s parents had become so overbearing about the wedding plans, the young couple had lost control of it. “I don’t even know half the people coming to my own wedding,”

the bride said. So, while Mum and Dad were away overseas, they decided to get married quietly and quickly and under their terms. I told them I admired their courage, but felt sad that they had to do this.

Yes, parents do have some rights if they are financially involved in the wedding, but that doesn’t give them the right to hijack it. There seems to me to be more emphasis on the cake and the dress and the party than on the real reason people want to get married. That didn’t sit well with me – and although I wouldn’t have missed the honour of being a marriage celebrant for the world, I’m happy to have retired as a registered marriage celebrant, and now just concentrate on the dearly departed.

INTERNATIONAL

Primary care practice nurses at Whaiora

Practice Nurses are usually the first point of primary care contact for people seeking health services. They are highly trained, and work with General Practitioners (GPs) and others in practices like the medical centre at Whaiora.

International Nurses Day (IND) is celebrated annually around the world on 12 May, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth.

Nightingale is known as the founder of modern nursing. She improved hygiene and living standards for soldiers needing care during the Crimean War in the 1850s, then went on to open the first secular nursing school in London, England.

This year’s theme for IND is: Our Nurses. Our Future. The Economic Power of

Focus on Nurses at Whaiora

Care. The International Council of Nurses says that “despite being the backbone of health care, nursing often faces financial constraints and societal undervaluation. IND 2024 aims to reshape perceptions, demonstrating how strategic investment in nursing can bring considerable economic and societal benefits.”

Whaiora, established in Masterton in 2010, o ers a range of primary care and community-based health and wellbeing services, all of which depend on teams of committed and highly trained registered nurses.

Aimee Chapman, team lead for Practice Nurses at Whaiora, is quick to point out that the “grass is not greener on the other side of the ditch.”

She spent nine years working in private practice in Western Australia but is delighted to be home. At Whaiora, she says, the salary is better and she has the support of her whānau.

“There are also lots of great nursing opportunities in New Zealand nursing in general and in Whaiora in particular,” she says. “Practice Nurses get to work autonomously, but within the supportive safety net of a team. In New

Zealand, we can also train to broaden our scope of practice, too, which is highly motivating and rewarding.” The medical centre at Whaiora is designated a ‘Very Low-Cost Access’ centre for whānau Māori, Pasifika peoples, and those who find it hard to access healthcare. At the moment, the medical centre has around 3,300 patients and is not able to accept any new patients. However, it is always keen to hear from nurses who might be looking for a new parttime or full-time role.

Practice Nurses are the first port of call for patients of Whaiora, and this helps takes the pressure o the small number of GPs. Ngapere, with nine years of nursing under her belt, is a clinical coordinator with the medical centre. She focuses on working across Whaiora and

Continued on page 22

Celebrating our Wairarapa

Midwives and Nurses

Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora Wairarapa want to sincerely thank all of our Wairarapa Nurses and Midwives for the professional, compassionate, high quality care they provide to our community each and every day. You have all displayed impressive tenacity in responding to signi cant challenges during a di cult year.

Thank you for all that you do!

and is on the nurse prescribing pathway. This will allow her to prescribe from a schedule of common medicines for common and/or long-term conditions such as eczema, asthma, ear infections, and so on.

Emma works as a Practice Nurse at Whaiora three days a week, while also being a mum. She says she loves her job. She’s worked as a nurse in hospitals and rest homes and has been a casual district nurse. This is her fifth year in practice nursing, and she wouldn’t want to do anything else.

“I love the variety and the supportive team at Whaiora, as well as the degree of autonomy. All the kaimahi have di erent strengths and experiences and we work closely together, as we walk alongside our patients.”

Whaiora is a Hauora Māori provider, and so ‘walking alongside’ is an important concept.

Emma says she gets to do scripts, guided care for longterm needs such as diabetes, vaccines, smears, screening, and more. She’s upskilling on the nurse prescribing pathway. New tasks include iron infusions and taking blood.

“We can get so many things done here, which helps take pressure o the labs and saves time.”

Kayla has recently moved over to the Practice Nurse team from the Well Child Tamariki Ora unit which is also part of Whaiora.

“One of the great things about nursing is that it is so transferable and portable. When you feel like you’ve given all you can in one area, you can move to another.”

This is particularly the case in Whaiora, with links to so many community outreach services such as Pae Ora, Whānau Ora,

Healthy Homes, Family Start, Stop Smoking, and Well Child Tamariki Ora. And the Practice Nurses can make referrals to these too. Cervical smears, for example, can be referred to an outreach service and carried out at home if women are not keen to come into the clinic.

Aimee makes an important point about immunisations. “Children do not need to be a client of Whaiora to be immunised. Immunisation can also take place either in the clinic or, if you prefer, at home. Our outreach immunisation coordinator Billie covers the whole of the Wairarapa district from Remutaka to Pahiatua.”

Whaiora’s Well Child Tamariki Ora Nurses

The Well Child Tamariki Ora team of registered nurses at Whaiora support and educate mama and whānau, by delivering Well Child Tamariki Ora checks for pepi and tamariki aged from four weeks to three years of age. These include developmental and physical assessments so parents can see their pepi progressing and meeting milestones.

Referrals to Well Child Tamariki Ora usually come from a midwife, with new parents able to choose either Plunket services or Well Child Tamariki Ora. The team at Whaiora covers the district from Pūkaha to the top of the Remutaka hill, and from the

We are a Nurse led clinic providing acute medical services to the Wairarapa Community and out of town visitors.

We are a registered Charitable Trust and charge a fee for service as we do not receive any funding from the Government at present.

The team of Practice Nurses at Whaiora. Top row from left: Kayla, Rachel, Billie, Emma, and Carolyn B. Bottom row from left: Carolyn K., Aimee, Katie, and Ngapera. Absent: Cheryl, Kimi, Sarah, and Jess.

Tararua hills out to Cape Palliser. The service is needs-based and entirely home-based.

Well Child Tamariki Ora Nurses get to help tamariki in their first 1,000 days: forming the foundation for their life trajectories.

“We’re committed to health promotion, education, wellness, and keeping tamariki and whānau well,” says Lemi, Kaiarataki, Nurse Team Lead for the Well Child Tamariki Ora team.

She’s been with the Whaiora team for four years and was

motivated to be part of this mahi because of her own experiences as a new mother.

Tessa has been with Whaiora for two years. Prior to that, she was nursing at the paediatric and special care unit at Masterton Hospital.

“I love this role,” Tessa says. “We get to stay with the tamariki for the first few years of their life – we can walk alongside them on their journey.”

Bronagh, a registered nurse for three years, has returned to Whaiora to work in Well Child Tamariki Ora and Georgie has returned to the team (where she previously worked for two years) after a break.

The Well Child Tamariki Ora team can refer whānau to other Whaiora and community social services for wraparound support.

The team members agree that working for Well Child Tamariki Ora is the perfect registered nursing role for people who want to work in their community and with their whānau. It’s a specialised nursing role in a supportive team.

“There’s lots of warm fuzzies and some heartache too,” as the team members walk alongside tamariki and whānau.

MIDWEEK PHOTOS

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

READER PHOTO

where the sun’s light appears softer and redder when it’s lower in the sky.

the best time to get out and make photographs,” she said.

Reader Emma-Jane sent in this absolutely spectacular shot, taken at Taratahi at sunset. Emma-Jane said she took this photo during “The Golden Hour” – one hour before sunset,

“It’s

PHOTO/EMMA-JANE COLLINS

The team of Well Child Tamariki Ora Nurses at Whaiora. From left: Georgie, Lemi, Bronagh and Tessa.

et Chat V

Expert advice from The Vet Clinic Wairarapa

It’s an Ear Issue

Lately we have been seeing quite a few cases of skin and ear irritations come into clinic in dogs. Ear Problems in particular can become a whole lot worse within a very short period of time.

Otis Externa is the medical term for used for inflamed ears, which is usually due to an underlying infection. Otis externa begins as inflammation of the ears and signs to be on the lookout for are ; head shaking, ear scratching, head tilting (usually towards the affected side), redness , heat , pain , itchiness, swelling, and discharges which are often smelly or waxy.

The cause of ear problems we see in clinic are; bacteria, yeast, parasites and foreign bodies. Certain breeds are also more susceptible to Otis Externa than others. You will find that the following breeds have the following issues;

• Non shedding dogs such as schnauzer, poodles, and bichon frises have hair growing inside their ear canals constantly , regular grooming and plucking the ears can help minimise inflammation and flare ups here

• Short snouted (brachycephaliac) breeds such as pugs, bull dogs and Chihuahuas have compressed narrow ear canals

• Spaniels with floppy ear flaps covering the ear canal opening can have issues

• Hunting or working dogs are quite commonly at risk of foreign bodies like grass seeds or or water from swimming, lodging deep in the ear canal.

Treatment once you reach our clinic depends on the underlying cause, so we would usually examine the ear with an otoscope to look as far into the ear canal as we can. Now, some animals may need to be sedated as they will not tolerate this well. Irritated ears with discharges will be swabbed and the content of this spread onto a slide and viewed under the microscope. By using this method of investigation we can determine what we are dealing with such as different types of bacteria or yeasts, sometimes a mix of the two.

Treatments will vary and differ between removing foreign bodes with long forceps, using an anti- paraciticide to treat ear mites, antibiotic preparations for Bacteria or antifungal treatments for yeast infections.

Yeast infections usually take a minimum of 3-4 weeks or longer to treat. For this reason we stock a specially formulated long acting antifungal treatment to treat those animals at our clinic, which lasts 2 weeks.

We recommend owners check their pet’s ears on a weekly basis to monitor for any changes. Whilst a slight amount of wax is normal, any bad smells or signs mentioned above should be acted upon quickly. Most ear problems unfortunately do not resolve on their own, and if left to get worse can lead to permanent Deafness as a result.

The last school holidays were a “rootin’, tootin’ good time” for the young crew of budding Wairarapa performers enrolled with Acting Antics.

Acting Antics, an international theatre company with several branches throughout New Zealand, runs a theatre-based holiday programme each year – hosted in Wairarapa by Masterton Theatre Company – for children aged eight to 13.

The recent April programme culminated in a performance at the Majestic Theatre of Treachery at Deadwood Falls, a “fully-costumed, script-free” play with a Wild West theme and a colourful cast of characters – including showgirl Tina Talkalot, cowboys Bones and Whip, and sheriff’s deputies Dwang and Twang.

The Wairarapa programme is directed by Masterton locals Paul and Deborah Percy, and aims to help children learn “acting and stagecraft” and develop their confidence, self–expression, and communication skills.

Upgrades on the way for playground swing

Freddie Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

Masterton District Council [MDC] has begun work to improve accessibility at McJorrow Park playground, including removing an area of bark chip and replacing it with a soft pour flexi surface.

A path is also being introduced, as part of improving access for people with mobility limitations, to the Lillypad swing.

The work is being paid for using a $28,000 grant from the Trust House Foundation.

There will also be two interactive play panels

installed.

MDC facilities and open spaces manager Ian Osland said the work will take about two weeks, with the Lillypad swing unable to be used during this time.

“We want to make the playground as accessible as possible, and we are grateful for the Trust House Foundation grant helping us make this happen for the Eastside community.

“The work being done may be a temporary inconvenience, but we are confident the outcome will be a real benefit to all playground users.”

In related news, the popular climbing frame

at Queen Elizabeth Park’s Kids Own Playground, which was dismantled in late February due to safety concerns, has now been replaced.

The original climbing frame was removed after the plastic coating on the rope deteriorated, allowing strands of wire to stick up. This caused a couple of incidents in which children were injured.

At the time of the incidents, MDC stated that tape was put over the dangerous spots as an interim fix, but the climbing frame had to be taken down to allow for a more permanent solution.

Work has begun to improve accessibility at McJorrow Park playground. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

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Council starts new dog trial

Carterton District Council [CDC] has installed signs at the entrances and exits of Clareville Cemetery –asking visitors to keep their dogs on leashes and pick up any waste they produce, following a decision at a council meeting on May 1.

“Our parks and reserves team have noticed an increase in dogs fouling the cemetery and other green spaces over the past few weeks and months,” CDC community services and facilities manager Glenda Seville said.

“The remedy is simple, and dog owners need to take responsibility for their dogs in public spaces.” Signage will be trialled for a couple of months. If this measure proves unsuccessful, dogs will be prohibited from the cemetery completely.

PHOTO/FREDDIE WILKIE

Wairarapa digs deep after garden theft

Freddie Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

The group that maintains and manages the community gardens near St Andrew’s Union Church in Featherston are rapt about the number of people who are rallying around in support following publicity about their gardening equipment being stolen.

As reported in the Times-Age last week, all the community garden’s equipment – including wheelbarrows, a new lawnmower, hose, weed eater, several trowels, gardening gloves, and trestle tables – was stolen after its storage shed was broken into.

The support since has been “wonderful” after people heard the news, Hana Makin, one of the group of residents who runs the garden, said.

“We have had people wanting to donate unused gardening equipment: I have spoken to someone who wants to give a weed wacker,” she said.

“We have had people drop off items by the church.

“Because of this surge of support, we have created a Facebook page to share what we do.”

Anyone interested in donating equipment should message the group

via the social media page [Featherston Community Garden Planning], or come to its next event on May 19 at 2pm, so they can make the donation in person.

Second-hand tools are very welcome, Makin said, and basic equipment is what is needed most.

“If you have any trowels, spades, shovels, secateurs, rakes – anything you don’t need – it would be appreciated,” she said.

“Bigger things like lawnmowers will, of course, also be welcome.”

Following the theft, the group intends to make security for its equipment a priority.

Makin also emphasised the group is keen to recruit new volunteers, and that gardening expertise is not required.

“You can come to learn some gardening or even just for a cup of tea and a scone,” she said.

“All are welcome – the more the merrier.”

The one-year anniversary of the garden was celebrated last month, and the group has recently finished harvesting its summer crops, including potatoes, kumara, and tomatoes.

Makin added that the group is now considering planting winter crops, and would welcome donations of seedlings.

Deva, Queen of the Kowhai Faeries, has finally given Featherston local, Faerie Gaia, the all clear to release her story at the Booktown Karukatea Festival.

“Faerie Gaia and the Faerie Chairs” will receive a double launch at 2pm on Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, at the Chicken and Frog Bookstore in Clifford Square.

“It’s a bit of a ‘wow’ event,” Faerie Gaia [aka Featherston writer/storyteller, artist and performer Justine Kingdon].

“I will tell the story, we’ll do some trash-totreasure art work, and then some fabulous face painting.”

Faerie Gaia will also be selling Faerie Chairs, made from the tops of champagne bottles, along with an upcycled book of the story.

“Come dressed up, all you Faeries and Aliens and such.”

Faerie Gaia, aka writer/artist Justine Kingdon, will be sharing her story as part of this weekend’s Booktown Karukatea Festival. PHOTO/ESTHER BUNNING

The Featherston Community Garden. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Lifestyle

An attitude for gratitude

I have a private goal that I won’t share here – other than to say it’s very important to me. However, despite its importance, I haven’t been taking action on it. To be honest, I have recently been quite negligent in this area. I decided to start taking action and identified three significant actions to complete by the end of the day, all of which I did. Each was a little awkward, relying on phone calls and follow-up actions.

The feeling I now have after getting started on this goal is overwhelmingly positive. I now have a sense of control in an area that

was seemingly drifting aimlessly along. It really is quite incredible how creating and implementing a simple plan can have such a positive impact on how we feel.

A gratitude reminder This is something I have written about many times, but is always worth reminding myself of. The many things we have to be grateful for. I have found a useful approach is writing one thing to

Join us for an opportunity to meet Headmaster, Sam Edwards, Deputy Headmaster Gareth Wood and our Boarding Manager, Rachael Marshall. Nothing can beat a visit to our campus but this is the next best thing and a chance to explore our school and some of the people that make it tick.

Wednesday 15th May – Farriers Bar and Eatery Queen Street, Masterton 6.30PM - 7.30PM

be grateful for every day. This is something I have been doing for years and, although it can be effective, there’s something else that needs to be done to get more benefit from the process. Just recording something to be grateful for every day can become a little automatic. However, if you regularly – perhaps once a week –take the time to read back on the last seven days [or any other timeframe], you notice so much more

– seeing in one sitting the many blessings we have in our lives.

None of the things we are grateful for need to be hugely significant. It could be something as little as getting a park right outside your favorite café. But reading a lot of these small things in one sitting will highlight how blessed you are.

Use what you have

When I was at the gym there was breakdancing, on one of the TV screens in front of the machine I was on. I was half paying attention, until I noticed that one of the performers only had one leg: The guy was absolutely incredible.

I have no idea of the performer’s backstory, as I could only see what he was doing, and there was no audible commentary. But I could only wonder at a person with what seemed like a significant physical disadvantage being able to perform at such a high level. Watching the performer made me think about any perceived disadvantage that we may have in any area of our lives. Yes, they may be incredibly unfair and make things so much more challenging. But –and I don’t want to sound glib – the more effort

Continued on page 30

Tim Nelson Midweek Musings

SPORTS AWARDS

2023-2024

NOMINATIONS OPEN

Help recognise Wairarapa sporting success between 1 April 2023 - 31 March 2024

Individuals, clubs, teams or schools can nominate themselves. The Administrator, Volunteer and Lifetime Achievement Awards are not restricted to a speci c time frame. The Awards night is being held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at the Carterton Events Centre.

JUNIOR SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR

Open to teams that have achieved a high standard of participation in any sport at primary/ intermediate school level, or under 13 age group level.

SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR

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

Nominations close Friday, May 17, 2024 at 4.30pm

NAME OF NOMINEE: AWARD CATEGORY:

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS:

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

If needing more room attach a piece of paper.

NOMINEE’S CONTACT DETAILS

PHONE:

EMAIL:

NOMINATOR’S CONTACT DETAILS

PHONE:

EMAIL:

Email your nominations to: sportsawards@age.co.nz Post to Wairarapa Times-Age, PO Box 445, Masterton 5840. Hand deliver to Wairarapa Times-Age, corner of Chapel and Perry Streets, Masterton

WAIRARAPA SPORTS EDUCATION TRUST SCHOLARSHIPS: Helping Wairarapa’s up and coming athletes. Calling for scholarship applications! To apply, go to our facebook page, or email wai.sportsed.trust@gmail.com for an application form.

THE FARRIERS BAR & EATERY WILL ACKNOWLEDGE EACH CATEGORY WINNER WITH ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP

PARA SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

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

YOUTH SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR

Open to teams that have achieved a high standard of participation in any sport at secondary school or 18 and under age group level.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

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

SENIOR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Open to any sportswoman who has achieved a high standard in any sport, participating at national and/or international events.

Limited to Wairarapa residents or representatives of Wairarapa teams.

SENIOR SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR

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

ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

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

JUNIOR CONTRIBUTION OF THE YEAR

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

JUNIOR SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

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

SENIOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

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

LIFETIME

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

OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

An award acknowledging any person 19 and over who acts as an umpire, referee, or judge.

YOUTH SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

Open to any secondary school or 18 and under sportswoman who has achieved a high standard in any sport.

COACH OF THE YEAR

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

YOUTH SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

Open to any secondary school or 18 and under sportsman who has achieved a high standard in any sport.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

An award for Wairarapa residents to have a direct say as to what nalists they believe should be recognised for their contribution to local sport. This award is awarded to the nalist with the most public votes.

SUPREME AWARD

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

Lifestyle

Only way forward is practice

we put in will lead to the more rewards satisfaction, whatever our starting point might be.

Have a plan I have just watched the brilliant movie The Martian. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, I recommend it as a mustwatch. The film is about an astronaut who gets left behind on Mars after the rest of the crew think he has been killed.

What happens next is summed up by Mark, the person left behind – who states that for the problem he now faces, surviving until help comes, the only way forward is to have a plan. Even against the most challenging odds, this applies. A plan is empowering, giving at least some sense of hope and increasing the likelihood of overcoming the issue.

Most of us won’t get stuck on Mars, but we will face problems that seem overwhelming. However, as hard as it may seem, there will be a way forward, provided time is put into developing that plan to get you through to the other side.

Read and take my own advice

I have written so many posts for my column, to the point it’s really hard to know what I have written about, sometimes even as short a time ago as the previous week. At the same time, just like most people, I face my own issues and challenges.

A good friend, Alistair, contacted me to ask if I was under pressure, as there has been a recurring theme in my posts about dealing with challenging times. This tells me how important it is to take my own advice and actually do what I’m encouraging

readers to. In many cases, I do. But there will also be times in which I fall short. Thank you, Alistair. I will be doing more than writing these posts from now on. I’ll be making a conscious effort to implement what I share – essentially, to practise what I preach.

The five-hour plan

This is an idea I just heard about on the excellent Mindset Mentor podcast. It’s related to many other ideas I have shared about getting better at anything, as there’s quite a lot of hard work involved. I’m going to take up the challenge, with my focus

being on economics, money and financial systems.

The challenge is simple in its design, although it will be hard in practice, but I’ll do the best I can to attempt it. From Monday to Friday, one hour a day, I am going to learn about my above mentioned focus area. For me this will be empowering, as my knowledge is at the most basic level. If I build my knowledge and capability in this area, I believe there will be benefits to me and those I care about.

Your focus area could be anything, from personal fitness to learning a language. The important

thing is to commit to one hour a day, to see where and how far it can take you.

How to get really good at something This idea is such a simple one. It was shared by Joe Rogan on his podcast, and it’s about what’s required to get really good at something. Rogan uses the example of how he got really good at martial arts. The thing that’s so empowering about the idea is that anyone can do it, but there is a catch – what it actually involves. If you want to get really good at something, you need to spend a lot of time and effort practising it. Take chess, for example. If I want to improve my chess skills and be competitive against my friend Marlon, I will need to practise and play a lot more.

• 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.

The Greytown Festival of Christmas returns in 2024, bigger and better than before, with the theme of ‘Fire and Ice’.

The festival has become an annual tradition, with the community coming together to put on a mid-winter Christmas experience for all New Zealanders to enjoy.

Destination Wairarapa says the Greytown Festival of Christmas is the happiest festival in New Zealand. It is set to warm the cockles of our hearts with a month-long programme of spectacular lights, workshops, events, activities, night markets, parties, festive food, mulled wine, and locally brewed gin.

Kicking o at 3pm on Saturday 29 June with the Greytown Trustlands Big Switch and wrapping up with the Grand Finale on Saturday 27 July, there’s a whole lot of entertainment in between. Firm favourites have proven to be ‘Cocktails and Comedy’, the European style night markets, reworks, the snow, and a

stack of talented live performers and entertainers. There’s also some exciting new events and activities.

Hang your decorated penguins on the Greytown Trustlands Community Tree, block out your calendar, and start making plans to be part of the happiest and most joyful festival in the country, right in the middle of winter.

GREYTOWN SURROUNDS & ALL MONTH LONG AT GREYTOWN: 29 JUNE TO 27 JULY

More information will be revealed here: www.greytownvillage.com

Kākā at home in Palliser

Kate Judson kate.judson@age.co.nz

Kākā are not usually seen out on the coast of South Wairarapa, but one has

species like kākā are particularly vulnerable to predators, and Greater Wellington’s biosecurity work is helping kākā populations expand beyond the safety of a

Exploring energy and food’s future

Ecologist and environmental campaigner Dr Mike Joy will visit Wairarapa next week to talk about food and energy.

“We need to see that the world consists of interconnected systems. Civilisation is facing peak everything, and climate change is but one of a raft of existential crises that are symptoms overshoot,” Joy said.

These crises are the manifestation of hitting planetary boundaries, he explained.

“These are the biophysical limits to growth that we were warned about in the 1970s. Our burgeoning human population and levels of consumption now far exceed the ability of the planet to sustain us in the long term.”

We enabled this overshoot by using fossil energy.

“Synthetic nitrogenous fertilisers, whose manufacture depends on natural gas, have allowed our

numbers to explode— albeit temporarily. We’re eating the past,” he said.

Joy said this socalled green revolution was talked up as a great achievement.

“However, it was a one-off subsidy from the past, and the legacy is now ending as the easy energy pickings diminish. To feed people without fossil fuels, and keep greenhouse gas emissions at a safe level, we must reduce consumption

drastically.

“Degrowth is inescapable. Our choice is whether to do it in a managed way, or to have it forced upon us.”

Joy is a senior researcher at the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria University, Wellington.

He has published many scientific papers and newspapers and magazine articles, and has received numerous awards for his outspoken advocacy for environmental protection.

• Dr Mike Joy will deliver his talk, The Future of Food and Energy, to a meeting of Science Wairarapa at 7.30pm on Thursday, May 16 at the Education Centre, 22 Dixon St, Masterton. All welcome: A door charge of $5 will apply.

• Science Wairarapa is supported by Wairarapa REAP.

Many farms are looking to go into the winter with pasture covers below target. Unless we get a cracking winter, we are likely to reach calving at lower than target pasture cover. With this in mind, we should start thinking about plans to deal with this scenario:

• Prepare and continually update a winter feed budget and identify your supplement purchasing trigger points. If you’re using winter crops, a crop plan is essential.

• If your cows go off-farm for grazing, ensure there is enough feed to get them through the winter, whether they’re going to a grazier or own support block.

• Recovery from low pasture cover at planned start of calving will be quicker by maintaining a slow rotation in early lactation. A spring rotation plan is a must. [Spring Rotation Planner Tool – DairyNZ]

• Consider use of Gibberellic Acid in the early spring after the rst grazing – this will help build pre-grazing levels for second grazing.

• Be ready to apply nitrogen in the spring when ground conditions are right to get it on – non water-logged and soil temp above 7 degrees.

Dr Mike Joy will address a meeting of Science Wairarapa. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wairarapa

people who mean business

THE GREEN TEAM PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

With a spring in their step, Wayne and his team are ready to go to help you get your house and garden ready for summer.

In the garden, they can trim hedges and trees, clear your section, and supply and apply wood chips, mulch, bark nuggets, and compost.

While they’re at your place, they can clean your windows and even tackle your driveway, roof, and weed spraying. There’s plenty of other things this handy team can do at your place, too.

Give Wayne a call on 021 133 0877 to see what else he could help you with. WINZ quotes are available.

Jumbo crossword

ACROSS

1 Backless seat (5)

4 Further deterioration (4,3,2,5)

11 Chopped straw fodder (5)

14 Pick-me-up (5)

15 Burning flamelessly (11)

16 Fibrous insulator (8)

19 View (7)

20 Adhered (5)

21 Poverty-stricken (9)

24 Spoke quietly (9)

26 Sermonise (6)

27 Powdery stuff on flowers (6)

31 Stockpile (5)

32 Intense unfounded suspicion (8)

34 Open to attack (10)

38 Summit (7)

39 Window-shop (6)

40 Ageism (anag)(6)

41 Apartment (4)

42 Jewellery item (7)

45 Percussion instrument (10)

50 Air hole (7)

54 Excessively selfsatisfied (4)

55 Trill (6)

56 Articles (6)

57 Parties (anag)(7)

60 Seamstress (10)

61 Setting alight (8)

62 Special ability (5)

65 Uncouple (6)

66 Draw back in fear, pain (6)

67 Productive with

minimum waste (9)

72 Use a keyboard without looking (5-4)

73 Pilot’s badge (5)

74 Conveyance (7)

79 French police officer (8)

80 English playwright (11)

81 Flavouring plants (5)

82 Distance down (5)

83 Unsettled, undetermined, not finalised (2,1,5,2,4)

84 Whisky producer (5)

DOWN

2 Soldiers (6)

3 Vegetable (5)

5 Sloping path (4)

6 Canadian police officer (7)

7 Kidnap (6)

8 Grow weary (4)

9 Was curious (8)

10 Without difficulty (6)

11 Chequered playing square (10)

12 Play divisions (4)

13 Vogue (7)

17 Damp (5)

18 Wide of the mark (10)

22 Foot lever (5)

23 Spherical (8)

25 Jumped over (7)

26 Tableland (7)

28 Beginner (6)

29 Woven trap (6)

30 Invisible (6)

33 Large blood vessel (5)

35 Praise (5)

36 Depressed (4)

37 Short skirt (4)

42 Sat for a painter (5)

43 At unease (anag)(8)

44 Drink sachet (6)

45 Mealtime cover (10)

46 Submissive (4)

47 African bird (7)

48 Rules over (6)

49 Darkness (5)

51 Pulled by rower (4)

52 Congeal (7)

53 Call names (6)

58 Dangerous maniac (10)

59 Smithy’s block (5)

63 Photo (8)

64 Blended (5)

65 Harmed (7)

68 Concealing device on nude statue (3,4)

69 Norway lobsters (6)

70 Debacle (6)

71 Worldwide (6)

75 Chemically unreactive (5)

76 Speak sharply, irritably (4)

77 Brief satirical sketch (4)

78 German Mrs (4)

Sudoku

ACROSS: 1 Forceps, 4 Hereditary, 9 Shifted, 13 Dads, 14 Uranus, 15 Learns, 16 Alerted, 19 Pharmacist, 20 Timeworn, 21 Surge, 24 Stocks, 25 Errand, 27 Amsterdam, 32 Escapade, 33 Stroll, 34 Clamour, 38 Toreador, 39 Minuet, 40 Roam, 41 Snail, 42 Croak, 45 Ghost of a chance, 52 Sheet, 55 Admit, 56 Silo, 57 Twinge, 58 Bull’s-eye, 61 Economy, 62 Aphids, 63 Heirloom, 66 Brickwork, 68 Reared, 69 Gentle, 73 Tabby, 74 Enormous, 76 Heightened, 81 Flyleaf, 82 Aghast, 83 Orphan, 84 Saga, 85 Apparel, 86 Stationary, 87 Abandon. DOWN: 1 Fed up, 2 Radiator, 3 Spruce, 4 Hunts, 5 Rash, 6 Deleted, 7 Trauma, 8 Renew, 10 Held, 11 Formula, 12 Emerge, 17 Smokestack, 18 Crate, 22 Facelift, 23 Drill, 24 Sceptic, 26 Real, 28 Malaria, 29 Sarong, 30 Critic, 31 Futile, 33 Stuff, 35 Month, 36 Trio, 37 Talc, 43 Reduce, 44 Alien, 46 Hail, 47 Stopper, 48 Obtain, 49 Alias, 50 Hogshead, 51 Equals, 52 Silhouette, 53 Eyes, 54 Theatre, 59 Smack, 60 File, 64 Swing, 65 Standard, 67 Rubella, 68 Risotto, 70 Gallop, 71 Mozart, 72 Iguana, 75 Right, 77 Empty, 78 Drain, 79 Save, 80 Coma. 5x5

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

Events

THURSDAY MAY 9

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 1.30pm start. Call Pauline Hodgson [027] 406-672. Carterton Community Choir: 7.15-9pm, St David’s Presbyterian Church Youth Wing, 164 High St South. Call [0278] 205-801. Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North, Carterton, open 2-4pm or by appointment. Call Vivienne [06] 379-5564 or email carterton.hist.soc@gmail.com Carterton Scout Group: Rangatahi Hub [behind Carterton Event Centre], Scouts [11-14 years] 6.30-8.30pm. Contact Sylvia [027] 249-3395. Danzability Class: 11am-noon at Studio 73, Greytown. Contact physio. rachel.horwell@gmail.com or [022] 077-2654. Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Martinborough: 9.30-11.30am, St Andrew’s Church; Featherston: 1.30-3.30pm, Featherston Community Centre.

Fareham Creative Space: Also Fri/ Tues, open studio, 10am-3pm, 80 Underhill Rd, Featherston. Email: registrations@farehamcreativespace. nz Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 6.30pm. Food Market: Food trucks, 4.30-7pm outside the Masterton Town Hall, rain or shine.

Friendship Force Wairarapa: Travel and cultural experiences through home hosting. Contact June Roseingrave [022] 305-9234. GirlGuidingNZ: Carterton Pippins, 5-7 years, 4.15-5.30pm. Carterton Brownies, 7-9½ years, 6-7.30pm Call Sharon [021] 033-0550. Housie: Carrington Bowling & Croquet Club: Carterton, [behind clock tower]. Be there by 12.30pm. Jeanne Emery [06] 379 5444. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB, Perry St. 9.30am-12.30pm. KeepFit!: 10.30am, Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St, Masterton. Call Age Concern [06] 377-0066. Masterton Petanque Club: 2pm, in Queen Elizabeth Park. Call Myrna Lane [06] 377-3064. Masterton Toy Library: 10am-12pm, 365 Queen St. Narcotics Anonymous: 7.30-8.30pm at St Matthew’s Church, Church St, Masterton. Parkinson’s Exercise Class: 1.30pm at the Wairarapa Boxing Academy, Dixon St. Call Roslyn [027] 264-8623. Patient Activity Programme: Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-1pm. Call [06] 378-8888. Pickleball: Masterton Rec Centre, 2 Dixon St, 5.30pm-7pm. All gear provided. Contact Sue [027] 449 0601. Red Star Table Tennis Club: 5-7pm at Red Star Sports Association, 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian [06] 377-4066. Ruamahanga Club: Cards, 500, 1-4pm at Wairarapa Services Club, Essex St, Masterton. Social Learners Bridge: 1pm3.30pm, 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 fountain, Queen Elizabeth Park entrance, 9.30am. Contact David [021] 246-0295. Wairarapa Fern and Thistle Pipe Band: Weekly practice, Masterton Brass Bandrooms, Park Ave, Masterton. Email fernandthistle21@gmail.com

Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon at the Masterton Aerodrome. Whakaoriori Shufflers: Line dancing, Red Star clubrooms, Herbert St, Masterton, intermediate, 1-2.30pm. Call [06] 377-5518 or [06] 377-1135.

FRIDAY MAY 10

Aratoi: Lisa Chandler: Landscapes of Loss to May 19; King Street Artworks to May 26; Jane Sinclair: Quiet Observations to June 16; In Recognition to July 28. Carterton Craft Market: Mon-Sat: 9am-4pm, Sun: 10am-3pm, 25 High St North, Carterton. Call Desley [027] 787-8558. Carterton Senior Citizens: 12.30-3.30pm, play cards, Rummikub and Scrabble, at the old courthouse next to the library. Cloth Collective Sewing Workshop: 10am-2pm, Kiwi Hall Supper Room. Call Sara Uruski [0274] 474-959. Dance Fit: At Carrington Park,

Carterton, 6pm-7pm. Text dance groove to [022] 321-2643. French Conversation: U3A-affiliated group, Education Centre, Dixon St, Masterton, 11am-1pm. Converse in French or improve speaking in French. Brett [027] 363-4039 or Robyn [021] 169-9415. Greytown Music and Movement: For pre-schoolers, 10am, at St Luke’s Hall, Main St. Email admin@ stlukesgreytown.co.nz

Justice of the Peace: Carterton library noon-2pm; Masterton District Court 11am-1pm; Eketāhuna Library 1.30-4.30pm. Masterton Bowling Club: Funzie Friday, 12pm for 12.30pm start. Call [06] 377-4664 after 4pm. Masterton Croquet Club: Golf Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward 377-4401.

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

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

Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Call Steve [022] 690 8837.

Wairarapa Kids Choir: For children aged seven years up, 3.50-4.50pm, during school terms, Courthouse, Holloway St, Carterton. Call Jill [027] 347-5891.

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

SATURDAY MAY 11

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High St, Carterton, behind clock tower. Call Pauline [027] 406-6728.

Cobblestones Museum and Heritage Village: Main St, Greytown. Open 10am-4pm seven days. [06] 304 9687.

Crop Up Greytown: Fresh produce from South Wairarapa, from 9am at Truckstop Greytown, 102 Main St. Check Facebook.

Featherston Heritage Museum: Behind Featherston Library and Information Centre. Sat/Sun 10am2pm, other times by arrangement. Call Elsa [021] 263-9403.

Featherston Weekly Market: 8am-2pm, 33 Fitzherbert St. Greytown Menz Shed: 9am-noon. Call Paul Dodge [021] 0262-6595. Justice of the Peace: Masterton Library, 10am-noon. Lions Book Sale: 9am-1pm, under the grandstand, Solway Showgrounds, Judds Rd, Masterton.

Martinborough Men’s Shed: Old Courthouse, 20 Cork St, 9amnoon. Call John [021] 314-2485.

Martinborough Museum: Open Sat/ Sun at No 7 The Square, 10.30am2.30pm. Donation/koha appreciated. Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers [06] 378-7109.

Masterton Tennis Centre:

Organised doubles from 12.30 pm at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Sue McRae [027] 449-0601.

Parkrun: Weekly 5km run/walk. 8am start, Woodside end of the Greytown rail trail. Info: parkrun.co.nz/ greytownwoodsidetrail

Tinui Craft Corner and Museum: Open Sat/Sun 10am-4pm. Call Lesley Hodgins [06] 372-6433. Toy Library: Masterton: 10am-12pm, 365 Queen St. Featherston: 14 Wakefield St, 10am-noon.

Wairarapa Cancer Society Supportive Care Services: Support after a cancer diagnosis. Call [06] 378-8039.

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

Wairarapa Embroiderers

Guild: Ranfurly Club Rooms, Chapel St, Masterton. Email Wairarapaembroiderers@gmail.com

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

SUNDAY MAY 12

Carterton Farmers’ Market: High St, Carterton, 9am-12.30pm.

Cobblestones Museum and Heritage Village: Main St, Greytown. Open 10am-4pm seven days. [06] 304 9687.

Featherston Menz Shed: 61

Fitzherbert St, open from 1pm. Indoor Bowls: Club Carterton, Broadway. 2pm. Rex Kenny [06] 379 7303.

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, roll up at 1pm, names in by 12.45pm.

Call [027] 957-1012.

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

Masterton Tennis Centre: Social doubles from 10am at 147 Dixon St, Masterton. Blackboard draw. Narcotics Anonymous: Featherston Community Centre, 7-9pm. Call 0800 628 632.

Pickleball: Makoura College Gym, Masterton 5pm-6.30pm. Gear provided. Contact Sue [027] 449 0601.

Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Call Steve [022] 690 8837.

Rotary Sunday Market: 7-11.30am, Essex St car park. Contact thehodsons@xtra.co.nz

South Wairarapa Pipe Band: Practice at St John’s church hall, Featherston, 4-6pm. To confirm time please call [027] 628-5889 or [027] 453-0182. Wairarapa Model Aero Club: 9amnoon at the Masterton Aerodrome. Masterton Marauders Wargaming Club: At Masterton Croquet Club, 1-5pm. Call Vince Cholewa [027] 344-1073 or visit http:// mastertonmarauders.blogspot.co.nz

MONDAY MAY 13

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

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

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

Carterton Scottish Dance Club: 7.30pm at Carterton School Hall, Holloway St. Call Elaine [06] 377-0322.

Carterton Food Bank: 10-11am MonFri at Haumanu House. Call [06] 379-4092. Carterton Scout Group: At Rangatahi Hub [behind Carterton Event Centre], Keas [5-8 years] 4.30-5.30pm; Cubs [8-11] 6-7.30pm. Contact Sylvia [027] 249-3395. CCS Disability Action Wairarapa Office: 36 Bannister St, Masterton, 10am-1pm Mon-Fri. Call [06] 378-2426 or 0800 227-2255. Citizens Advice Bureau: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, 43 Perry St, Masterton. Call [06] 377-0078 or 0800 367-222. Creative Hands Programme: Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton, 10am-noon. Call Kirsten [06] 399-1050. East Indoor Bowling Club: 7pm. Call Julie [06] 377-5497 or George [06] 378-9266. Featherston Music Club: 7-9pm. Call Shaun O’Brien [027] 672-6249. Free Community Fit Club: Mon/Tues/ Fri, 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: For anyone dealing with a terminal illness. Call [06] 378-8888. Housie: 7pm, Club Carterton, Broadway. Call [06] 379-8069. 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 [06] 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.

Masterton Food Bank: 9 Church St, Mon-Fri 10am-12.30pm. Call [06] 370-8034.

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

Red Star Table Tennis Club: 6pm8pm at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian [06] 377-4066. Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Call Steve [022] 690 8837.

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 Futsal: 6pm Clareville Showgrounds. Call Robyn [027] 235-8673.

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 MAY 14

Caregivers Programme: For those caring for unwell loved ones, Hospice Wairarapa, 59 Renall St, Masterton. Kirsten [06] 399-1050. Clareville Badminton Club: Main Stadium at Clareville, 7.30pm -9pm. Call Steve [027] 333-3975.

Carrington Bowling Club: 57 High St, Carterton, behind clock tower. Call Pauline [027] 406-6728.

Carterton District Historical Society: 142 High St North, Carterton, open 2-4pm or by appointment. Call Vivienne [06] 379-5564. Central Indoor Bowls Club: 7.30pm, Hogg Crescent hall. Call Mathew or Graeme [06] 378-7554. Chair Exercise: Gentle chair exercises, 2pm-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 to book or for advice.

Carterton: 9.30-11.30am, Carterton Library; Greytown: 1.30-3.30pm, Greytown Library.

Featherston Amateur Wrestling Club: During school terms. Classes are weight and skill dependent; Beginners, 5-9 years, 5.30-6.15pm; 10 years+ [including adults] 6.15-7.30pm. Featherston Menz Shed: 61 Fitzherbert St, open from 10am. Featherston Wahine Singers: 7-8.30pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Susan [021] 246-4884. Free Literacy and Numeracy Classes: At Literacy Aotearoa, 340 Queen St, Masterton. Call Carol [022] 524-5994.

GirlGuiding: Masterton Pippins [5-7 years] 3.45-5pm. Call Chrissy Warnock 372-7646. Justice of the Peace: Masterton CAB 11am-1pm. Knit and Natter: 3pm, Wairarapa Community Centre, Perry St; 7pm, Te Awhina Cameron Community House, 2 Stuart Cres, Masterton. Mah-jong: Carterton Memorial Club, Broadway, 1pm. Call Faye [021] 160-6637. Masterton Alcoholics Anonymous: 7.30pm, St Matthew’s Church Hall, 35 Church St. Call Anne [06] 378-2338 or David [021] 116-5505.

Masterton Croquet Club: Golf Croquet 9.15am behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Russell Ward [06] 377-4401.

Masterton Judo Club: Tues/Thurs, youth class 5-6pm, adults 7-8.30pm, Nga Totara Dojo, 205 Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton. Contact Simon [021] 248-6111. Masterton Senior Citizens and Beneficiaries Association: Social indoor bowls, 500 cards, or a chat 1-3pm, Senior Citizens Hall, Cole St. Call Ngaire [06] 377-0342. Masterton Toy Library: 10am12pm, 365 Queen St, Masterton [021]0716634. Red Star Table Tennis Club: 9amnoon at Red Star Sports Association 10 Herbert St, Masterton. Call Peter [027] 566-4664 or Brian 377-4066.

Scallyrag Border Morris Dancing: 7-8pm at the Auditorium, Kuranui College, Greytown. Contact Alison [021] 111-1894. Social Bridge: At South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club, 1.30-3.30pm. Call Lesley [021] 299-6389. South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club: Games afternoon. Call Doff [06] 304-9748. South Wairarapa Badminton Club: Featherston Sports Stadium, Underhill Rd, 7pm-9pm. Rackets available. Wairarapa Modern Jive: Carterton School hall, 7.15-7.30pm Intermediate workshop; 8-8.45pm Beginners class. Contact Lance [021] 134-5661.

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

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

WEDNESDAY MAY 15

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. Cards: “500”, 1.15pm-4.15pm, at the Carterton Club. Call Barbara 379-6582 or Val [06] 379-8329. Carterton Cycle Group: From Belvedere Rd [weather permitting]. Call Irene [027] 634-9167 or Lesley [021] 299-6389. Dance Fitness: 9.30am-11am, preschoolers with parents or caregivers at Fareham House Hall, Featherston. Call Justine [0204] 105-2830. Digital Seniors Wairarapa: Call [0800] 373-646 to book or for advice. Masterton: 10am-noon, Masterton Library. Free Classes: Literacy, language, numeracy for adult learners. Call Literacy Aotearoa [06] 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. 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, Perry St, noon-2pm. Kiddie Gym: For under-5s, 9.30-11am, at St David’s Church, corner High and Victoria Sts, Carterton. Call Judy or Joan [06] 379-8325. Masterton Art Club: 10am-2pm, also print on Fridays, at 12 Victoria St. Call Elissa [0274] 706-528. Martinborough Men’s Shed: Old Courthouse, 20 Cork St, 9am-noon. Call Doug [027] 444-7331.

Masterton Park Bowling Club: Queen Elizabeth Park, 1pm, names in by 12.45pm. Call [027] 957-1012.

Masterton Croquet Club: Association Croquet 9.15am and 12.45pm behind the Hosking Garden in the park. Call Carl Redvers [06] 378-7109. Parkinson’s Singing Group: 10am, at the South Wairarapa Workingman’s Club, Main St, Greytown. Call Marguerite Chadwick [06] 379-5376. Pickleball: Masterton Rec Centre, 2 Dixon St, 9.30am-11am. Gear provided. Contact Sue [027] 449 0601. Rangatahi to Rangatira Youth Group: 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 [06] 372-5758, or Ann Duckett [06] 378-8285 Road Cycling Martinborough: All year round, 8.30am from The Square, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. 50km-plus, moderate pace. Call Steve [022] 690 8837. Scrabble Club: 1-4pm in Masterton. For venue details, call Sue McRae [027] 449-0601. Silver Ukulele Club: 1-3pm, Featherston Community Centre. Call Jan [06] 308-8556. South Wairarapa Caregivers Programme: Caring for your loved one who is unwell, at a café in South Wairarapa. Call Kirsten [06] 399-1050. Soulway Cooking and Crafts: 10amnoon, High St, Masterton. Call Nikki Smith [06] 370-1604. Taoist Tai Chi: From 5.30pm at St Mark’s Church Hall, 185 High St, Carterton. Contact www.taoisttaichi. org Te Runga Scouts: Cubs, 6pm-7.30pm, 45 Harley St, Masterton. The Dance Shed: 450a Belvedere Rd, Carterton. Line Dance Class 6-7pm; Rock N Roll Dance Class: 7.30-8.30pm, 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. Call Graeme Burnard [027] 270-5666. Wairarapa Spinners & Weavers: 10am The Wool Shed, Dixon St, Masterton. Call Trish [021] 292 8010. 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. Men’s Group: Meet for support and friendship at the Salvation Army Village, Ngaumutawa Rd, Masterton, 7-9pm.

Toi Wairarapa – Heart of Arts: Carterton, 10 Minute Bites, 12.10pm, BYO sandwich. * To have an event listed please email event@age.co.nz by noon Thursday prior

Garage Sales MASTERTON

RESOURCE

Saturday 9am-2pm

“Buy one get one free” on all $1.00 clothing & books, baby wear, bric a brac & shoes TO VISIT VISITED

Public Notices

ESTATE OF JUNE PINFOLD

In accordance with section 79(2) of the Trusts Act 2019, any creditor or other person who has a claim against the estate of June Pinfold, formerly Carterton but lately of Masterton, Retired, who died on 15 November 2023 must send their claims to the executors on or before 8 June 2024 After that date, the estate may be administrated or distributed having regard only to the claims that have been received The executors will not be liable for any claims that were not received when the estate is administrated or distributed

Executors of the will of June Pinfold, deceased c/- WCM Legal, PO Box 49, Carterton 5743 cam w@wcmlegal co nz Solicitors for the Executors

318 Ngaumutawa Ro ad Solway, Masterton Ph 06 377 4850 www.solway school nz Out of Zone Enrolments

Thanks to ongoing construction at Solway School we are able to offer very limited Out of Zone enrolments for the remainder of 2024 and early in 2025.

GUM 4m3 $720, 2m3

Incorporated

The AGM is to be held at the Carterton Club

Date: Wednesday 15th May 2024 Time: 7.00pm

We have just 10 places for n ew entrant students turning 5 from terms 3 in 2024 to term 2 2025

Applications are available from the school office, office@solway.school.nz

These must be received by 4pm Thursday May 30 th 2024

Ballot Day if required is Thursday Ju ne 6th.

RATING INFORMATION DATABASE

South Wairarapa District Council Office 19 Kitchener Street, Martinborough Weekdays 8.30am to 4.00pm

Greater Wellington Regional Council

34 Chapel Street, Masterton Weekdays 8.00am to 4.30pm

100 Cuba Street, Te Aro, Wellington Weekdays 8.00am to 4.30pm

The Rating Information Database for South Wairarapa District Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council is available for inspection at the following locations: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: enquiries@swdc.govt.nz or 06 306 9611 swdc.govt.nz

Featherston Library 70 Fitzherbert Street, Featherston Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 9.30am to 5.00pm Greytown Library & Town Centre 89 Main Street, Greytown Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9.30am to 5.00pm

Tourism operators’ plea to councils

Emily Ireland emily.ireland@age.co.nz

As Long-Term Plan consultations draw to a close, Wairarapa tourism operators are urging councils to continue their support of Destination Wairarapa [DW].

The regional tourism organisation has three-year funding agreements with Masterton, Carterton, and South Wairarapa councils, but under Masterton’s preferred Long-Term Plan [LTP] option, funding of community groups and organisations would become contestable every 12 months, presenting a big unknown for DW.

Under this proposal, funding for Business Wairarapa and Pūkaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre would also become contestable annually after their

current agreements expire.

It would, however, open up Masterton District Council’s [MDC] $374k funding pool to all organisations and groups and provide a “more equitable approach to funding”, according to MDC’s LTP.

MDC’s other funding option, which maintains existing arrangements with organisations, means only $85k would be available to other groups through annual general contestable applications.

At this week’s Carterton District Council meeting, DW board member Roger Wigglesworth said he is “hoping reason would prevail” in Masterton, and that DW will continue to be funded longer-term.

“We clearly see the risk,” Wigglesworth said.

“The risk is partly: Will we be able to function, but also, will

we be able to retain staff if, year on year, we are not sure if we can pay them?”

He said DW is doing “very careful lobbying” and will make a “very strenuous response to the LTP”.

“We have another whole year of funding so it wouldn’t kick in until 2025. But as a board, we are looking at that risk and what might happen in the event it does get passed.”

Centre].

The letter outlines the reason they believe it is essential for the partnership between Wairarapa councils and DW to continue on more certain terms.

They said tourism is on the rise in Wairarapa, “reaching unprecedented heights following the major setback caused by the covid-19 pandemic”.

Meanwhile, an open letter to the three Wairarapa councils was penned on Friday by Wairarapa tourism heavyweights: Rosie and Nick Rogers [The White Swan Country Hotel and Tui Brewery]; Hari Mogosanu [Star Safari]; Lisa Portas [Palliser Ridge]; Katherine Jacobs [Big Sky Wines]; Tim Smith [Martinborough Hotel]; Jenna Snelgrove [Tranzit Group]; and Emily Court [Pūkaha National Wildlife

represents a jump of 19 per cent over the past year.

“That’s a lot of families who are relying upon the success of our industry to put food on the table during a major cost of living crisis.”

None of this tourism growth happens by accident, they said.

“The most recent data indicates that guest nights have increased by 10 per cent in the past 12 months, and visitor spend in the year to February 2023 hit a record level of $155 million.

“This is the result of an increase of 33.8 per cent in South Wairarapa, 16 per cent in Masterton, and 9.2 per cent in Carterton.

“In a time of nationwide economic recession and growing unemployment, a total of 1379 people are currently employed in tourism roles in Mount Bruce Wairarapa, which

Possible lead on recent ‘loud bangs’

Freddie Wilkie freddie.wilkie@age.co.nz

Wairarapa police now have a lead that might explain a series of loud

Air New Zealand flights.

bangs in Masterton in the early morning on Saturday, April 27, which resulted in five calls to the police between 3am and 7.32am.

Area prevention manager Gill Flower said the source of the sounds is possibly a grey ute that has an exhaust that’s been “deliberately”

altered to produce the explosive effect.

“The leads are suggesting that it is more a vehicle than an actual firearms offence,” Flower

“The glue which holds the region’s tourism together is our regional tourism organisation –Destination Wairarapa.

“We simply couldn’t reach anything like our current levels of contribution to the local economy without the work they do.

“If you take away their expert promotion of our region as a destination, everybody loses, and the social wellbeing of our communities takes the biggest hit.”

They said DW helped put Wairarapa on the map via initiatives and promotions, such as articles in lifestyle magazines in supermarkets and on

Just this week, DW organised for the popular Australian breakfast news and current affairs programme The Today Show to broadcast live from Martinborough Square, with a series of live crosses highlighting the best of Wairarapa tourism to a massive television audience.

They said regional tourism is reliant upon partnerships with local government and said the current threeyear funding model is essential to provide the certainty and continuity required for DW to be able to plan and operate effectively.

Masterton’s LTP consultation closed on Monday.

Consultation on Carterton’s LTP and South Wairarapa’s enhanced annual plan closed on Sunday, May 5.

– NZLDR Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air

said. “We haven’t been able to locate it, but we also haven’t had a second report on it. It was just that one isolated event.”

Police are still seeking further information and CCTV footage.

Anyone who can assist

with this inquiry is encouraged to call the 105 non-emergency line and quote the file number 240247/0125 or, alternatively, pop into the Masterton police station at 21 Church St, Masterton.

From left to right: Nick Rogers, Hari Mogosanu, Lisa Portas, Katherine Jacobs, Rosie Rogers, Tim Smith, Jenna Snelgrove, and Emily Court.