Special guest balloon from the UK set to join the festival

Two new hot air balloon shapes with ‘wow factor’ are heading to Wairarapa over the Easter holiday.

Balloon shapes can be weird and wonderful, and this year will be no exception, with some special shapes featuring at the upcoming 2023 Wairarapa Balloon Festival in April.

One balloon all the way from the UK is the British bulldog Buster – complete with a cheeky canine grin and wagging tongue. This balloon has been seen at many events internationally, including the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in England. Another shape that will be seen in the by Martyn Stacey of Christchurch.

Event organisers, pilots, and crew are getting ready for the festival, where 20 towering creations will be in the air over Easter Weekend (6-10 April).

The famous Night Glow, the pinnacle event, the air and on the ground - organisers expect a crowd of 15,000 people.

called ‘ascensions’ including; Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, Martinborough, and a mystery location on Easter Monday. These morning ascensions are free to watch and the perfect taster for the Night Glow.

Tickets are on sale now, including family passes at $65 for 2 adults and up to 3 children, providing excellent value. Kids under 5 are free.

For the full event programme, information and to purchase tickets, head to: https:// www.nzballoons.co.nz

See so much at the Wool Shed Museum

If you want to know what’s made New Zealand a great agricultural country you can learn so much about it by visiting the National Museum of Sheep and Shearing in Masterton.

The complex is housed in two authentic old wool sheds trucked in from local farms, plus a newly constructed gallery building –full of sheep farm gear, including shearing and wool handling equipment.

of sheep farming and its importance to our nation. For many years New Zealand

Demonstrations are held about spinning and weaving on Wednesday mornings and by arrangement. See the history of spinning from ancient times and our collection of spinning wheels.

See our shop with its wide range of wool garments, footwear, sheepskin rugs, and souvenirs. We are a visitor attraction of international quality.

The Wool Shed hours: 10am-4pm weekdays and 10am-3pm weekends.

Another Gold for Greytown Butchery

By maintaining old traditions of butchering, it’s no wonder they consistently win awards with their multiaward winning sausages, having so far clocked up 25 awards in the last 17 years.

Greytown Butchery has recently won their 25th award at the annual Great New Zealand Sausage Competition. Ironically it was the Sausage Competition’s 25th year running.

Greytown Butchery was awarded became sport. The history of sheep farming. Live shearing demonstrations for groups arranged with prior notice. Spinning and weaving demonstrations on Wednesdays or by arrangement. Wool garments and souvenirs.

A popular classic that just on its own has now clocked up 12 awards at this annual event.

Established in 1873, Greytown Butchery is still operating in the same historic building.

Artisan butcher Gavin Green and partner Julie Fairbrother, have transformed this iconic butchery into a gourmet, European-styled butchery that prides itself on top quality cuts with exceptional service to match.

Remember to bring your chilly bin with you next time for your butchery goods!