Greytown Grapevine April 2026

• Greytown Distilling Company launches new lowABV Gin Liqueurs• Festival of Christmas returns to Greytown• Blueprint Art Gallery• Falls Prevention Month• GRFC celebrates 150 yearsInside this month:APRIL 2026 Epic Easter events at Molewood OrchardMolewood Orchard was the setting for a spectacular lineup of events this Easter. The third annual Greytown Apple Harvest Festival on Easter Saturday was blessed with warm temperatures and sunshine. Thousands of people from throughout the Wairarapa and Wellington region attended the event, encouraged by the fabulous autumn weather.The wide range of stalls and food trucks was very popular, including cider, vodka and fruit wine tasting from local producers. Activities for children were a hit, including the “Jump the Stump” obstacle course for pre-schoolers. There were queues for the horse and carriage rides by Carterton Surrey, and Karen Havican’s face-painting services were in high demand.... continued page 3

2 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026Please support our advertisersWe are Greytown’s FREE magazine, and while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Lamb-Peters Print cannot accept responsibility for incorrect or misleading information herein.ADVERTISING COVERS COST OF PRINTING ONLY, EVERYTHING ELSE IS VOLUNTARY.The past month has flown and once more I am starting my column with comment on the weather! Last month it was relief that the February storm didn’t hit Greytown. This month ditto with Cyclone Vaianu. However, the fact that a cyclone swept down much of the North Island was a sombre warning.I’ve just heard a radio interview with James Renwick, Professor of Climate Science at Victoria University. It was sobering commentary. He commented that although climate change may not necessarily bring more frequent catastrophic weather events, it was likely that storms would have much higher rainfall.For Greytown this is an issue because we are low lying and, like much of Wairarapa, a significant part of the village is on a flood plain. The newly released flood maps from Greater Wellington are not great news but the situation is able to be managed. This is important and I have proposed that the Council organise a meeting with local builders, architects and planners to discuss what it means and practical approaches to dealing with it.Although it’s too late to stop climate change, the sooner we move out of fossil fuel dependency the better. The Middle East war has highlighted our reliance on oil and future generations will thank us if we start to electrify and take advantage of our natural resources, especially sunshine! But there are also immediate benefits for us. For the first time in my life I’m living in an allelectric house, using heat pump technology for heating and hot water – and experiencing significant benefits. Charging your car from solar panels on the roof is a major advantage as fuel prices soar, but I do understand that many people can’t afford to install a solar system. If you can – even a small one – I urge you to think about it. Similarly, ensuring good insulation can be a game changer for kiwis who grew up in cold, drafty houses – and as well as comfort, it also has significant health benefits.As we approach winter, we look forward to the Wairarapa MidWinter Festival of Christmas from late June to late July. This year the organisers are running it on the lowest budget ever, so if you know anyone who would be interested in a modest sponsorship – for example to better light up buildings – please sing out. It’s urgent! The organisers have certainly pulled out all the stops to ensure a great month for locals and visitors. And we do need those visitors – so encourage friends from outside Wairarapa to car-pool and come for a weekend. Lastly, the board of the Wai+T (Wairarapa-Tararua) water entity, which will run our water and wastewater services from mid-2027, has just been announced. Selecting the board was absolutely not an exercise in representation – we wanted the best people. Two of the five directors are from outside Wairarapa, one from Masterton and two – Adrienne Young-Cooper and Paul Collins – are from South Wairarapa, with Adrienne appointed as Chair. This reinforces my view that one of our biggest blessings is the wealth of experience and intellectual capital in this district. Our council is gradually reaching out asking more people to help us in a variety of ways, and so far we have had had no shortage of volunteers. Long may it last! From your MayorA&K Plumbing, Electrical & Drainage33Armstrong’s Prestige Wellington 40CB Contracting 31Changeability 32Climb and Cut Tree Services 16Craig Pope Financial 3Crighton ITM Greytown 32Five Rivers Medical 14GKM Property Services 25Greyscale Ultrasound 18Greytown Lands Trust 8Greytown Lions 38Greytown Little Theatre 17Greytown Pilates 19Greytown RSA 14, 39Greytown Trails Trust 36Harrisons Carpet and Flooring 22Helloworld 5H M Electrical 10Hub Legal 1K B Gleeson Building 16Kuranui College 4Lamb-Peters Print 30Liz Dixon Counsellor 25MFS Ltd Office Space For Rent 36Mike Butterick 31Mitre10 Martinborough 6Mulled Wine Concerts 11Photography Tuition 22Provincial Wealth 29Richmond Funeral Home 19Siteworx 26SWDC 20SWWMC 37Tauherenikau Friendship Club 24Ticehurst Building 3Urlar Gladstone 24Wairarapa Electrical & Appliances 28Wairarapa Film Festival 11Wairarapa Medical 15WBS 33WCM Legal 7Page PageCirculation rural & urban Greytown: 2,200Deadlines:Editorial & Advertising: 10th of the month Delivered by: 20th of the month*Letters to Editor: 300 word maximum No Grapevine in JanuaryEditorial & Advertising: [email protected]: (06) 304 9245195mm wide x 280mm deepFULL PAGE195mm wide x 135mm deep1/2 PAGE95mm wide x 135mm deep1/4 PAGE95mm wide x 65mm deep1/8 PAGE195mm wide x 75mm deepBANNERPlease state size and colour of your ad when booking.Files must be 300dpi PDF or JPEG at exact measurementsAdvertising Prices (GST exclusive)Colour Black & WhiteFull page $400 $2001/2 page $230 $951/4 page $170 $451/8 page $79 $29Banner $220 $90Trade Listing $19*rural delivery closest Wednesday followingEmail: [email protected]! See inside back pageFran WildeMayor, South Wairarapa

WHAT’S NEWThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 3from front page ...There is hope with Craig Pope!P 027 547 6739 | Need a mortgage?027 288 [email protected]• New Builds • Renovations• Alterations • Decks • Repairs & MaintenanceThe day’s attractions were rounded out by puppy cuddles from Ellie’s Canine Rescue and Rehome, and a big yellow digger on display, courtesy of Pope & Gray Contractors. Musicians Sam Saffery and Steve Rendle entertained the crowds picnicking in the meadows.Molewood Orchard is very grateful to the South Wairarapa District Council for the Economic Development Fund grant supporting this event. The Cooke family is also very grateful for all the help from the community, including South Wairarapa Rotary, Kuranui College, friends and family who helped out on the day, plus for all the support of the event from Greytown Village and businesses in town.On Easter Sunday, Molewood Orchard was the venue for the Wairarapa Balloon Festival ascension. Eight hot air balloons lifted from the meadows at dawn. The large crowd was awestruck by the magical occasion. Those arriving late to the event at the Farley Avenue gate were treated to a bonus ascension of two balloons right at the gate.Now the Easter excitement is over, Molewood Orchard is open each weekend for Pick Your Own Apples through until King’s Birthday.Puppy cuddles and digger display amongst hits with Easter crowdCarterton Surrey Sam Saffery Steve Rendle

4 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 202606 304 9116kuranuicollege.school.nz HE KURA TĀ TĀTOU THE SCHOOL FOR USOPEN EVENINGThursday 3:30-5:30pm7 May 6:00-8:00pm

WHAT’S NEWThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 5Helloworld Travel Greytown is open each Wednesday from 10am-2pm at The Offering Café. Appointments are recommended.Come in with your travel bucket list and let us work our magic. Have a coffee on us! Address: 65 Main Street, Greytown. Phone: 06 378 2454Mobile: 027 240 3711 Email: [email protected] VISITUS!HELLOWORLD TRAVEL GREYTOWN POP-UP STOREGreytown Distilling Company launches new lowABV Gin Liqueurs to celebrate winter, togetherness and fireside living Sean Kelly and The Super 8’sSean Kelly & Friends present an intimate show of live Irish music played to the backdrop of Super 8 movies taken by Sean’s Dad, a renowned Cine enthusiast, in and around Derry & Donegal 1958-1988. The show features Sean Kelly on vocals, whistles, bodhran and guitar, Jono Lonie on fiddle and electric mandolin and Maree Limpus on AV and cello. As well as the professional music and visual delivery, Sean also presents an authentic dialogue on a tumultuous time in the history of Derry, Donegal and the north of Ireland. It is a sensory-rich experience blending authentic Irish music with authentic imagery, no special effects whatsoever. This show is designed to entertain but also to enlighten and to leave the audience with that elusive sense of wonder.Wairarapa Events Centre Carterton, Sunday 31 May, 4:00 pm $25. Bookings: www.wairarapaec.co.nzGreytown Distilling Company is launching a new range of premium gin liqueurs designed for winter – inviting locals and visitors alike to slow down, gather together, and embrace the pleasures of being cosy indoors when the weather turns cold.Released on 1 May, the collection includes Pumpkin Spice Gin Liqueur, Bourbon Barrel Gin Liqueur, and Apple & Caramel Gin Liqueur, each created with fireside evenings in mind: books open, records playing, candles lit, and good company close at hand.GDC Co-Founder Adam Blackwell says the liqueurs were developed to make winter drinking more relaxed and approachable.“Winter is when people naturally turn inward, and we really wanted to celebrate that,” says Blackwell. “These are drinks made for staying in – for reading, cooking slowly, and spending time together without rushing.”All three liqueurs sit at 25% ABV, significantly lower than a traditional gin, which is typically around 42% ABV.“Because the alcohol is lower, you can enjoy them in a more relaxed, gentle way,” Blackwell explains. “They’re beautiful sipped neat over ice, but they also lend themselves to easy, comforting winter cocktails that don’t feel heavy.”The liqueurs are designed to be served simply – over ice, warmed, or mixed into cosy seasonal cocktails – with Greytown Distilling Company providing easy to follow recipes that can be made at home with minimal effort.“We wanted to take the pressure off cocktail making,” says Blackwell. “These are generous, comforting flavours – pumpkin spice, apple and caramel, bourbon barrel notes – and the recipes are designed so people can make something lovely without needing specialist equipment or a long list of ingredients.”The release also comes well ahead of the 2026 New Zealand Festival of Christmas, with Blackwell noting that the liqueurs were designed to be enjoyed throughout winter.To celebrate the launch, Greytown Distilling Company’s tasting shed will be offering tastings of the new liqueurs, with visitors able to sample selected winter cocktail recipes and discuss different ways to serve them at home.“The tasting shed will very much feel like a winter living room,” says Blackwell. “It’s about trying things slowly, talking about what you’d drink them with – a book, a meal, a night in – and leaving with ideas you can easily recreate.”The new gin liqueurs are available in both 375ml or 750ml flask sizes (including the popular three packs) from 1 May at the Greytown Distilling Company at 110 Main Street (inside Blackwell and Sons) or online at www,greytowngin.com

WHAT’S NEW6 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026Open 7 days: Monday - Friday: 7.30am - 5pm Saturday: 8.30am - 5pm Sunday: 9am - 5pm Martinborough 37 – 39 Naples Street,Ph: 06 306 5555 mitre10.co.nzEVERYTHING YOU NEED JUST 15 MINUTES UP THE ROADMARTINBOROUGHThe Festival of Christmas is back from 27 June to 25 July, bringing a month of lights, events and good old-fashioned community spirit right to our doorstep. Main Street will once again be glowing, shop windows will light up, the braziers will crackle, and there will be plenty of reasons to rug up and head into town.This year’s theme, A Very Country Christmas, leans into everything we love about Greytown: a bit of rural charm, a bit of fun, and lots of ways to come together. From boutique shopping and cosy cafés to lively street events, you can expect favourites like the Big Switch Opening Night, where Main Street comes alive with sparkling lights, and Night Markets, including the Ride-on Lawnmower Grand Prix and the iconic Light Up Tractor Parade.The popular Illumination Night Walk will also return as an immersive, family-friendly night walk at Cobblestones. Dazzling lights and interactive surprises will transform the grounds into an unforgettable winter wonderland for all ages. New this year is the Festive Night Glow at Molewood Orchard, which promises a magical evening of hot-air balloons, bonfires, and classic country games. These two ticketed events are proving major drawcards, with tickets selling well.Back in the village, visitors can once again enjoy snowfall on Main Street, festive markets, late-night shopping and a packed programme of entertainment, all culminating in the lively Grand Finale on 25 July, featuring a street party, parade and fireworks display.Event manager Rachael Fletcher says the festival is as much about the local community as it is about visitors. “There’s something really special about seeing Greytown come to life in winter. It brings people together, locals and visitors alike, and creates a real sense of warmth and connection right across the town.”It’s a great excuse to get out, catch up with friends, support local, and enjoy Greytown at its best in winter. Some events are free; others will book out, so book in time with friends and family from out of town and plan your winter.Keep an eye out for the full programme landing on 1 May, or jump online to greytownvillage.com to secure your tickets to the key events.Greytown to shine this winter as Festival of Christmas returnsLast year’s Illumination Night Walk at Cobblestones was a sell-out hit. Photo Jet Productions

WHAT’S NEWThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 7Falls Prevention MonthApril is ‘falls prevention month’ and falls are a major cause of injury and disability among older folk.ACC reports state that about 30% of people aged 65 and over fall annually, and that between 10% and 20% percent of those over 65 need hospitalisation after a fall. Many falls are preventable and www.livestronger.org.nz has plenty of tips and check lists for keeping the home trip free. A healthy diet, eating three meals or several smaller meals daily, rich in calcium, protein and including veggies and fruit is also essential to preventing falls, as is staying hydrated. Community-based strength and balance classes have proven to be successful in preventing falls. These groups are facilitated by peers from within the community, making them caring in culture and resulting in social connectedness.To find one of these classes, have a look in the community pages, on www.thecommunity.co.nz/events/region/Wellington/ or contact Age Concern Wairarapa (06 377 0066 or www.ageconcernwai.org.nz) about our Steady As You Go (SAYGO), our KeepFit or our Line Dancing classes…all only $2 to participate.Go well, JacqsThe Age Concern ConnectionLIVING POSITIVELY WITH PARKINSON’SLegal planning for you and your familyFirstly, Parkinson’s Wairarapa would like to thank all of you who stopped at our table at the Disability Expo late February. It was great to get your feedback and support for what we are trying to achieve. The Expo highlighted to us the many organisations that are available to give advice and support in a wide range of areas. During March, a Living Positively with Parkinson’s seminar was held to try and explain the legal planning that we need to consider as we get older and our condition changes. This is usually something we put on the back burner for another day or believe we don’t really need to worry. Our guest speaker was Virginia Pearson from WCM Legal, Carterton. Her informative presentation focused on Wills (for when you die) and enduring powers of attorney (EPOA) (for while you are still alive). Virginia outlined the importance of having a will, what we need to consider before getting one drawn up and clarified many issues. She explained the key differences between a Welfare/Health EPOA and a Property EPOA, along with things we need to consider when getting them drawn up. Even though Life Directives such as living wills or advance care plans need to be completed by a health professional, Virginia outlined how they can be necessary in long term planning.World Parkinson’s Day was on 11April. Buildings and landmarks around NZ were lit up in blue, including the Masterton sculpture at the northern roundabout, in recognition of this condition. Parkinson’s Wairarapa now has packets of Tulip Bulbs available to purchase, raising funds to help support people living with Parkinson’s. To order bulbs throughout April or for further information about Parkinson’s Wairarapa please contact the local support team: [email protected] or 027 264 8623.Letterpress PrintOffset PrintDigital PrintGraphic DesignLabelsLaminatingScanningBannersSignage2477 S.H.2, GreytownWairarapa, 5794(06) 304 [email protected]

8 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026Stay connected! For more updates and news, visit our website at www.greytownlandstrust.org.nz or follow us on Facebook at @Greytown Lands Trust. Repairs, maintenance and investing in Greytown’s futureOngoing repairs and maintenance are a key part of being a responsible landlord. By continuing to invest in our buildings, we protect their long-term condition while ensuring they remain attractive, functional spaces for our tenants. Strong, well-maintained properties also support our ability to give back to the Greytown community through grants, sponsorships, and local initiatives.You may have noticed work underway at two of our Main Street properties. At 213-219 Main Street, our long-standing tenant Farmlands has been part of the site since 1994. We are currently undertaking important upgrade work to ensure the building remains watertight, resilient, and fit for purpose for the next 30 plus years. We thank Farmlands and the community for their patience while this work is carried out.At 64 Main Street, South Wairarapa District Council has recently vacated the premises following five years as a valued tenant. With their relocation complete, we now have an exciting opportunity to reconfigure the space. We’re pleased to welcome Taverner Keys & Co, who are relocating to Greytown and undertaking a comprehensive internal fit-out of the corner site.Community funding – grants and sponsorship updateWe are pleased to confirm that up to $200,000 has again been allocated in our 2026/27 budget to support the Greytown community through grants and sponsorships.Our funding categories remain similar to previous years, with a continued focus on initiatives that make a meaningful local impact. This year, we are reviewing our funding strategies with our education review already well underway in consultation with local providers and community groups. Support for key community events such as the Festival of Christmas, Greytown Santa Parade, and Matharapa will continue. In addition, funding has already been committed to the Greytown Cenotaph project.A portion of funding has again been set aside for larger community projects. We welcome opportunities to work alongside local groups on initiatives that align with our strategic priorities and deliver lasting benefits for Greytown.Further updates will be shared via our website, Facebook page, and the Grapevine. We encourage anyone with ideas or proposals to get in touch.A warm welcome to Taverner Keys & Co.Work underway at 213-219 Main Street.Next Board meeting: 21 May at 9am.

WHAT’S NEWThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 9$30 per player | Multiple prizes acrossall generationsRegistration: 10:00amTee Off: 10:30amSunday 26th April 2026To register email: [email protected] or phone 06 306 9076Join us for a day of family bonding and friendly competition.Includes Best Grandma & Grandpa Ngahau trophy | Best Intergenerational Pair | Best Non-grandma & Non-grandpa | Bill Jones\"shoot your age” trophyGREYTOWN ORCHARDS RETIREMENT VILLAGEA day at Greytown Orchards: Life at The LodgeImagine spending a day at Greytown Orchards’ Lodge, a beautifully designed, light-filled hub where each day begins and ends in comfort, connection and style. Due to open later in the year and becoming the new heart of the community, The Lodge will be located centrally in the village.Inside the welcoming space, sunlight floods the timber interiors, drawing you to the open-plan lounge. You might start the day with a coffee in the café, chatting with fellow residents. Or you could settle into the library with a book and a view of the gardens, a quiet sanctuary within the lodge.If you prefer to start the day with exercise, the indoor heated pool is perfect for a few relaxed laps or perhaps a session at the in-house gym.Mid-morning, the café is humming, the activities room hosts a small group session, the modern hair salon is giving residents a spruce-up, and the games room offers a friendly game of pool.As the day progresses, people gather in the sun on the north-facing terrace, and some wander further into the landscaped outdoor areas. A game of pétanque gets underway, while others settle in for a BBQ under the louvred pergola, enjoying the fresh country air. As the temperatures cool, the double-sided fireplace becomes a focal point, drawing people back inside.You can return to your villa to relax before returning later for happy hour, as the bar comes alive and the lounge fills with conversation and laughter. It’s easy to linger here, whether catching up with neighbours or simply enjoying the atmosphere.As evening settles over Greytown, The Lodge glows: a place of warmth, connection and quiet enjoyment. It’s a lifestyle where each day offers something different, yet always familiar.More to come: The Workshop and Care FacilityWhile The Lodge will become the social heart of Greytown Orchards when it opens later in the year, more exciting additions are also on the way.Set alongside The Lodge, The Workshop is planned as a vibrant, multi-use creative space: a place for residents to make, build and share. From woodwork and metalwork to arts, crafts and hobby projects (even home-brewing), it promises to be a hive of activity for those who enjoy handson pursuits and learning new skills. Due for completion in late 2026, it will add another layer to the village’s focus on active, engaged living.Looking ahead, the new on-site Care Facility is also in development. Still in the design phase, this modern addition will provide hospital-level care, with 28 care beds/suits and ten memory beds. The facility will ensure residents can remain within the community as their needs evolve. Offering peace of mind, it represents an important step in creating a full continuum of care at Greytown Orchards.Together, these developments signal a future-focused vision for Greytown Orchards, one where lifestyle, community and care come together in a uniquely Wairarapa setting.Find out more at Greytown Orchards Discovery Days Friday 1 and Saturday 2 May, 11am–3pm. Just head along, or get in touch with Sales Manager Dixon on 027 7007 247 or email [email protected]://www.greytownorchards.co.nz/Construction progressing at The Lodge. Photo Jet Productions

WHAT’S NEW10 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026When the last of David & Dorothy Thorpe’s four children had left home, they decided to pack up the ute and leave too. Letting out their house in the South Island’s beautiful Golden Bay they drove north and ended up in Mt Maunganui and Tauranga for the Covid lock downs. Three years ago they came to Wairarapa to be nearer two of their children who had moved to Wellington. “It’s the most South Island like piece of the North Island we could find,” jokes David. They lived first in Carterton then a year ago moved into Greytown.Dorothy works as a nurse while David is working on a vision he has for art. Thirty years ago he was a wood turner and sculptor in wood, and ran a small gallery from their home. “I kept making bigger and bigger pieces until I milled the trees my grandfather planted and used all the different varieties of wood to build an eight-bedroom house. I was over it! For 25 years I didn’t want to see another bit of wood,” David exclaims.Now the art bug has returned and David wants to turn, aka blow, glass. He also wants to encourage and distribute art that builds culture which helps make the world a better place. From his father’s heritage of christianity, David learnt that the world’s problems and solutions start in our hearts, not ‘out there’ somewhere, while his mother taught him to ‘Be the cure’. At 89 she still corresponds with her latest sponsor child whom she supports from her pension – an African girl who she has saved up for, to help her reach her dream of becoming a doctor. “Jesus is a kind of blueprint for what sort of person to be to make the world a better place,” says David. “If we can get past the corrupting and canceling of his brand to see the true spirit of who he is and express that. That is artist work – seeking and making truth and spirit visible in new ways – beauty, justice, freedom, wonder, service, peace, joy, innovation, excellence, understanding, love and trust. These make a culture that builds a better world.”David has put together an exhibition showing this month in Greytown featuring his mothers poems and WW2 documents from Dorothy’s grandfather. Easter and Anzac are good times to reflect on the saying of Jesus, ‘The greatest kind of love is laying down your life for others.’Easter and Anzac ExhibitionLeentje Little Helena, heard a loud noise. Running with her brothers to their 5th story Amsterdam window they looked down. People were shouting. A boat was coming down the canal. Men lay in the bottom wrapped in white sheets with red splotches. “Look at the clowns,” said Little Helena.Coming home from school the soldiers ordered Little Helena and her friends up against the fence. Trembling they watched as beautiful women and silent crying boys were marched out of a door and pushed into muddy green trucks.The hunger was so bad. Little Helena and her brothers sucked lumps of coal. Father was heart broken. He would go out again. Risk conscription and curfew. And find a few grains of wheat. Paper was precious. It was for father’s books. And for the artists. But Little Helena couldn’t resist -the big blank pages somehow drew her in. She only took two.CecilMeanwhile in New Zealand, Cecil Williams had been appointed to a special First Assistant role at the new Wairarapa College. But war was breaking out. He sailed to Greece. When they retreated he was one of the last to leave so avoided Crete. Sent to Germany immediately after the war he worked among the millions of displaced persons that were there. His wife Una stayed and served in the Masterton community. The Una Williams Kindergarten is still going today.Now, Helena is 89, and still loves blank pages and filling them with her thoughts and memories. She wants to gift her grandchildren the benefits of what she has learnt through life’s joys and struggles. She hopes others will choose to live in harmony and the love of laying down one’s life for another. Cecil and Una’s granddaughter Dorothy works as a nurse in Greytown, and is married to Helena’s son David, who his showing this exhibition in the old Blackwell & Sons bike workshop opposite the Town Hall. There is a selection of Cecil’s photos and documents & Helena’s poems, along with pieces of David’s work and original WW2 art prints. Open during April, WednesdaySunday 10am-4pm. Blackwell & Sons bike workshopEntry is free.The Gladstone Memorial – Lest We Forget. Spray paint on felted wool. David created this as a meditation piece after attending their Anzac Day service. Imitating the practice of stained glass church windows, he incorporated symbolism for over 100 Bible references.Blueprint Art GalleryWW2 Art Print by H N Werkman to encourage people who were hiding from the Nazis and longing for the sunCCTV Security New buildsAlterationsFreeview televisionPhone/dataHot water repairsFault findingInstalls of all electrical appliancesFor all your electrical needs, a quote or advice, call:Hamish MeyrickRegistered Electrician

WHAT’S NEWThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 11Te Waiwhakaata Film Festival turns Six! Celebrating stories, filmmakers, and the magic of cinema from 20 April to 3 May.Wairarapa Film Festival enters an exciting new chapter this year under its new name, Te Waiwhakaata, a celebration of both place and purpose. In te reo Māori, wai means water, while whakaata means to reflect, mirror, or display. Together, the name evokes the landscapes of the region and the magic of cinema itself, images flickering like light on water, stories reflecting who we are and where we come from.Te Waiwhakaata is about reflection, connection, and shared experience. We thank Whakapono Waikare, uri of Wairarapa and friend of the festival, who gifted us this beautiful taonga. This transformation comes to life thanks to the brilliant work of Geoff Francis of Good Eye Design Ltd, and the generous support of Lamb-Peters Print, whose work you’ll see across the region on posters, billboards, and bookmarks.Highlights include films by Barry Barclay, James Cameron, Sir Peter Jackson, Dame Gaylene Preston, and Annie Goldson, all internationally acclaimed filmmakers with strong Wairarapa connections.The Barry Barclay retrospective includes a recently restored film, Wairarapa (1965), a 21 minute promotional film capturing the heart of the region and snapshot of 1960s life and landscapes. Audiences can also look forward to Dame Gaylene Preston’s portrait of Dame Robin White, the world premiere of By Hand by local filmmaker Jane Ross, and story of Greg and Ali Lang, the last wheelwright and coach painter in New Zealand, alongside a screening of Georgie Girl.The programme features anniversary screenings of Aliens and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, alongside a documentary masterclass with Annie Goldson at Aratoi.Visit waifilmfest.co.nz for the full programme and grab your tickets to all events and experiences. Tickets are on sale now.waifilmfest.co.nzFIND OUT MORELights... Camera... Wairarapa! Flute and harp: Mulled Wine Concert in FeatherstonFrom the earliest times in human history, music has been made on flutes and harps. It would be impossible to say which came first – the sound produced by blowing over a hollow reed or pipe, or the sound of a string stretched over a sounding board. What can be said with confidence is that together these instruments produce music of shimmering beauty which can have remarkable effects on humans who listen to it. Mulled Wine Concerts, the music organisation run by Mary Gow will be producing a flute and harp concert on 2 May in Featherston’s historic Anzac Hall which will delight local concert-goers. Carolyn Mills has recently retired after 37 years as Principal Harpist of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. Her passion for the harp has taken her all around the world and she has performed internationally in countless concerts and festivals. Carolyn is fascinated by the harp’s unique qualities and its ability to weave a magic spell for so many. She is now a Certified Music Practitioner offering harp therapy to hospitals, care homes, and other healthcare settings. Her experiences have left her with no doubt about the special powers of the harp’s resonance in healing the human spirit. Bridget Douglas is Section Principal Flute of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and an artist-teacher in flute at the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī. She graduated from Victoria and Otago Universities before travelling to the USA for postgraduate study on a Fulbright Graduate Award. In 2020 Bridget was awarded the CANZ (Composers Association of NZ) KBB Citation for Services to NZ Music.Flute and harp combine in a luminous programme weaving together music of lyric beauty. From the serene mysticism of Hovhaness’s “The Garden of Adonis” and the shimmering soundscape of Eve de Castro Robinson’s “Pearls of the Sea” to folk-inspired gems by Ravel and traditional Celtic melodies such as “The Skye Boat Song” and “She Moved Through the Fair”, the concert travels through many musical worlds. Baroque elegance from Marcello, Purcell, and Bach sits alongside Chopin’s sparkling “Variations on a Theme by Rossini” and a charming Praetorius set including “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”. The programme also includes original works for solo harp by Carolyn Mills, showcasing the instrument’s rich colours and expressive range. Mulled Wine Concerts organiser, Mary Gow is excited by the prospect of bringing such spellbinding music to a Wairarapa audience. “I’m really looking forward to it”, she says “It will surely make for an afternoon to remember!” Mulled Wine Concerts in Featherston Saturday 2 May at 4 pmANZAC Hall - Bell St, Featherston www.mulledwineconcerts.comTickets $30 ( student under 16 $10) Online sales - [email protected] outlets (CASH ONLY): Dickensian Bookshop, Featherston,Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop, Greytown, iSITES in Masterson and MartinboroughCAROLYN MILLS & BRIDGET DOUGLAS

WHAT’S NEW12 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026Respected business leader and mentor, Dean di Bona, has been awarded a prestigious Pin of Honour by Business Mentors New Zealand, recognising his significant contribution to supporting small businesses across the country and for his decade long support of over 25 businesses in the Wairarapa/Martinborough area. The honour was presented by BMNZ Chief Executive Sarah Trotman, who praised his lasting impact on the organisation’s nationwide mentoring network. As a Business Mentor, Dean receives no pay or share in any of the companies’ profits. The sole motivation is to support SME New Zealand businesses to succeed.Di Bona’s career spans military service, business ownership, and years of mentoring across a wide range of industries. He began as an officer in the Australian military, where he developed a leadership philosophy that continues to guide his work.“It wasn’t about rank,” Di Bona said. “It was about who had the most skill in the moment. I’ve carried that into business and mentoring, it’s not about telling people what to do, it’s about helping them find the best way forward.”Following his military career, Di Bona built extensive experience across sectors including construction, agriculture, hospitality, retail, and importing. This broad exposure has enabled him to mentor business owners from diverse industries, each facing unique challenges.Notably, his connection with BMNZ began as a mentee. Seeking guidance for his own building business, he found the experience transformative.“We didn’t necessarily solve the exact problem I went in with,” he said. “But it gave me clarity. It helped me understand how I wanted to run my business.”Inspired by that experience, Di Bona later joined the organisation as a mentor, adopting an approach grounded in partnership rather than authority.“I don’t see a mentor as a superior,” he said. “I see it as someone who walks beside the mentee. It’s about guiding them, not directing them.”Central to his philosophy is the belief that successful businesses are built on two key foundations: aspiration and belief.“For me, those are the cornerstones,” he said. “People come to us because they’ve hit a roadblock. It looks like a massive wall, but often it’s just paper mâché. Our job is to help them see a way through.”Di Bona emphasises that many business challenges are psychological as much as practical, often stemming from uncertainty or lack of confidence. His mentoring focuses on breaking down problems into manageable steps.“It’s about giving people small wins,” he said. “When they start to see progress, they begin to believe again. And once that belief is there, everything changes.”BMNZ connects more than 1,500 volunteer mentors with small business owners nationwide, providing practical, experience-led support.Di Bona believes the organisation plays a critical role in strengthening New Zealand’s economy.“We’re a nation of small business,” he said. “No one can be across everything. Mentoring helps plug those gaps and take businesses to the next level.”Presenting the award, Trotman said Di Bona exemplifies the value of mentorship.“Dean represents the very best of what mentoring can be,” she said. “His willingness to share his experience and invest in others has made a real difference.”For Di Bona, the recognition reflects the collective impact of mentors nationwide.“This is an amazing group of people,” he said. “You’ve got some of the brightest minds in New Zealand giving their time to help others succeed.”Dean Di Bona honoured for lifetime contribution to New Zealand businessDean Di Bona receiving his award from BMNZ Chief Executive Sarah TrotmanSaturday mornings are busier than ever on the TrailRunning RoyaltyIn January, we received a visit from the inspirational Kathrine Switzer, a true pioneer of women’s running. Kathrine made history in 1967 as the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, bravely challenging the rules and a race co-director to change the future of the sport forever. She went on to win the New York Marathon, write several books, and win many awards for her outstanding contribution to running. To have Kathrine join us as a first-time visitor at Greytown Woodside parkrun was an absolute privilege, and a powerful reminder of how far running – and parkrun – has come. You can read more about Kathrine and her achievements here: https://kathrineswitzer.comKathrine’s presence felt especially meaningful when you look around parkrun and see women of all ages taking part: first-timers, regulars, walkers with friends, speedy runners, mums with prams, and volunteers making it all happen. That’s the magic of parkrun – everyone belongs.Blue for LewIn March our Volunteer Co-ordinator Lew Campbell completed his 500th parkrun – an incredible achievement that has taken 14 years and is a testament to his dedication to the parkrun community. The “Blue for Lew” theme was taken on

WHAT’S NEWThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 13In 2026, the Greytown Rugby Football Club celebrates 150 years at the heart of our community – proudly standing as one of New Zealand’s oldest continuously operating clubs. For generations, our club has brought people together, on and off the field, building friendships, pride, and lasting memories.To mark this milestone, we’re hosting a Jubilee weekend over King’s Birthday weekend and warmly invite past and present players, supporters, families, and friends to join us in celebrating. Visit www.grfc150thjubilee.com to find out more to be part of this special occasion.A little history from the beginningFor the past 150 years, the Greytown Rugby Football Club has always played an important role in sport in our community and many people living in our district have at some time or other been associated with this familyorientated club. The club has the distinction of being one of the oldest New Zealand rugby clubs still in existence. Records state that in May 1876, rugby was introduced to Wairarapa.The first club was established at Greytown, on 22 May 1876. Members were drawn from Greytown, Featherston and Carterton districts and was known as the Wairarapa Club. On Saturday, 22 May, the first practise match was played at Greytown; the Wairarapa Standard (Greytown newspaper) reported on Tuesday, 30 May 1876.“A Football Club has been formed in Greytown. On Saturday last the first practise was held, when about 20 members put in their appearance and had a pleasant afternoon’s sport.” A further practice was held on 10 June, after which members held a meeting and decided to issue a challenge to players resident in Masterton, for a contest. The challenge had the effect of a meeting being called in the northern Wairarapa town and a club being formed there. This was called the Masterton Club, the foundation meeting taking place at Masterton, on Friday 16 June.”The challenge to Greytown was accepted for 8 July. However the match was not to be; Masterton Club had failed to function in strength necessary to play against an opposing club and had to abandon the trip to Greytown. Wairarapa (Greytown) filled in the afternoon with a match between two selected sides.On 4 June 1879 the present Greytown Football Club came into being, and the Wairarapa Standard of 6 June reported: “At a meeting held in the Forrester’s Arms Hotel, Greytown on Wednesday night for the purpose of starting a Football Club, there was a fair number present. It was resolved that a club be formed, to be called the Greytown Club. It was resolved that the Rules of the Club be the Rugby Union Rules.”On 17 June the Wairarapa Standard of that date records the first practise of the newly formed Club:“The Greytown Football Club met for practise in sufficient numbers to form sides.”Carterton Club now began to function, and a match with the Greytown Club was arranged. This match, the first between two clubs in Wairarapa, took place at Carterton on 5 July 1879 and was played at Vickerstaff’s paddock, now Clifton Avenue, Carterton. A large crowd of spectators attended and on the side lines – tree stumps, waggonettes, drays and horses were used as grandstands. Greytown won the match played in four laps (spells) by two tries, four points to nil. A return game was played at Steward’s paddock (at the south-western end of the town) Greytown, on 19 July when the Carterton team won by a dropped goal and a try.At the 1880 Annual Meeting of the Greytown Club it was decided to join the Wellington Union. The Club remained in the affiliation until the formation of the Wairarapa Union in 1886.Greytown were championship winners in 1896, 1897, 1899 and 1901. From then on championship wins were a rarity. The championship win in 1992 was the first one since 1945. There has been a lot more success this millennium. Greytown Rugby Football Club celebrates 150 yearsGreytown Rugby Football Team – Champion Representative Team, 1884Back row: H Humphries, C J Beard, J Maguire, D Cameron, J Desmond, J Tocker. Middle: A L Webster, R Somerville, G W Saywell, R Hirschberg, H Udy, J McMaster. Front: C R Bidwill, W H Day, T S Ronaldsonboard brilliantly and we celebrated under blue skies with blue balloons, blue lollies, blue t-shirts, blue tutus and an amazing blue cake made by Claudia. Lew’s family turned out in force to proudly support him on this memorable morning. Adding to the celebration was a large contingent of blue-shirted parkrunners from Porirua, who made the trip to Greytown to run alongside Lew and help mark the milestone.Record attendanceOn Easter Saturday, we were overjoyed to receive a record number of participants. 135 walkers, joggers, runners, and a few furry four-legged friends turned up to see why our course is called the “friendliest little parkrun in New Zealand”! We welcomed 28 first-timers and visitors from Canada to Australia and all over New Zealand, with some kids home for the holidays as well. After the event, it was great to see so many parkrunners enjoying a coffee in The Offering and spending time exploring Greytown.So if you want to join us for a free, timed 5km walk or run, do come along to the Woodside Station end of the Greytown Rail Trail for an 8am start each Saturday. Don’t forget to register first – it helps us record your time and means we have a contact phone number for you in case of emergency.Don’t forget you can keep up with parkrun developments on our website at www.parkrun.co.nz/greytownwoodsidetrail. Or chat with us on Facebook (just search for “Greytown parkrun” and you’ll end up in the right place).... from page 12

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS14 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026Wairarapa Medical 06 304 9012 www.wairarapamedical.co.nzGreyscale Ultrasound 06 601 3401 www.greyscaleultrasound.co.nzThe Physio Spot 0800 842 749 www.thephysiospot.co.nzHealthfit Collective 04 979 9056 www.healthfitcollective.co.nzWairarapa Skin Clinic 06 370 2171 www.wairarapaskinclinic.co.nzMole Map 0800 665 362 www.molemap.co.nzTu Ora Compass Health www.tuora.org.nzTe Whatu Ora District Nurses 06 946 9827Awanui Labs 06 304 9012No bookings required. Open 8am-11.30amFive Rivers Medical Directory of ServicesWelcome to the South Wairarapa Workingmans’ Club MonthlyOn Saturday night, 21 March, we had The Drive entertain us from 7 p.m. A good audience was entertained with lively numbers and attracted many on the dance floor.Tuesday Club: We play every Tuesday at 1.30pm. Popular card games are Bolivia, Five Crowns, Phase 10 and Pony Canasta. Come join us for a friendly afternoon and learn.Club 60: As our next meeting is scheduled for Anzac Day we have decided to defer this month, so will next meet on 25 May. Our usual activities are currently Housie, cards and pool. Although we are the senior-orientated Adjunct you don’t have to be a senior member to join us. We welcome all members who can join us on our afternoons, especially our newly joined members. For the benefit of our newer members, we meet on the last Monday of the month, from January to November, at 1.30-4pm. Pool: Recently held 9-Ball singles resulted in being won by Kerry Aitken. Last month we played Club Wairarapa for our interclub trophy, at which we were extremely successful in bringing the trophy back to our cabinet. A few of our members were very successful at various tournaments prior to Easter. Ray Sutherland and Maree Keetly competed in the Taranaki Masters Games in Stratford .The competition was broken into age groups within each sport. On Friday 27 March in the 9-Ball, both Ray and Maree won silver in their respective groups, and the following day Ray won gold in the 8-Ball, and on the Sunday in the International Rules (Red and Yellows) Ray continued on his winning way.Over Easter weekend, Pete and Rose Byl and Matt Lenihan and Karen Brown participated at the Taradale Club’s Guys ‘n’ Gals Pool competition. Pete and Rose won the Championship and Matt and Karen winning the Plate Flight. Congratulations to all.Indoor Bowls: We are open for a roll-up on Tuesday nights from 7-9pm. All members welcome – we need more players!Golf: Twelve members recently attended the Club New Zealand national Golf Tournament in Alexandra. Out of the 95 pairs participating, one of our teams of Grant Smith and Nick McDonald achieved 18th place.Dancing: Are you interested in learning to dance? We have sessions at the club every Monday night at 7pm. These are beginner-focused sessions, at which we teach the basics of; Rock’n’Roll, Ballroom, Latin or Sequence, or Partner Line Dance. We don’t take it too seriously, it’s just about fitness, fun and friendship. There is a small fee of $5 per person per night, so come along for a look, you can join at any time.Greytown RSASocial GatheringMembers, partners, friendsGathering 3rd Fridayof every month17.30 – 19.00South Wairarapa Working Men’s ClubSouth-east corner, main barCome and meet your mates and enjoy the Club’s amenitiesALL WELCOME.www.rsa.org.nz

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 15Every Monday and Tuesday morning, small groups of children from Greytown Early Years can be spotted walking through the streets and green spaces of our town. These weekly excursions have long been a treasured part of our programme. Until recently, our regular destination was O’Connors Bush, but with the area temporarily closed for replanting, we’ve taken the opportunity to discover many other beautiful pockets of nature. Tamariki love noticing the changes in the seasons too. At this time of year, the town is full of beautiful, big trees glowing with autumn colours. If you see us out and about, feel free to give us a friendly wave – our tamariki love recognising familiar faces in the community. These walks are far more than a change of scenery. They play an important role in fostering a strong sense of belonging, helping children make meaningful connections between home, our centre, and the wider world. Each outing becomes a living classroom where children learn about their environment, the people who share it, and their place within it. Along the way, they develop essential life skills – how to move safely as part of a group, navigate roads and footpaths, and interact respectfully with members of the community. They practise managing excitement, following instructions, and looking out for one another – all building confidence, independence, and social awareness in ways that indoor learning simply can’t replicate. During school holidays, we often take this time to explore the grounds at Greytown School, where many of our children will eventually attend. This helps the children become familiar with the environment and supports a smoother transition to school. We’re grateful to be part of such a welcoming community and look forward to many more adventures around Greytown as our tamariki continue to explore, learn, and grow. Shelley Murphy, Head TeacherWe are located in the beautiful Five Rivers Medical facility at the southern end of Greytown, alongside a multitude of fantastic service providers. — Family healthcare GP, NP and nursing services — Adult and child immunisations — Before-school checks — Drivers Licence, employment and insurance medicals — Quit Smoking — Sexual Health & Contraception — Palliative Care — Accident & Emergency care — Mental Health care — Long term, chronic conditions management — Diabetic care — Minor Surgery — Maternity care — ECGs — Well Child checks — Spirometry & Respiratory managementSERVICESA dedicated team of skilled health professionals caring for the community.CONTACTOPENING HOURS30 Bidwills Cutting Road, GreytownP: 06 304 9012E: [email protected] to us about registering for our online patient portal today.Order your scripts online, view your medications and medical history.8am–5pm MON, TUES, THUR, FRI 8am–7pm WEDGREYTOWN EARLY YEARSExploring our beautiful pockets of nature

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS16 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026The 39 Steps, a parody play adapted from Hitchcock’s 1935 movie and John Buchan’s 1915 novel, performed to packed audiences over two weeks in March at Greytown Little Theatre’s home: Studio 73.Set in a time when countries were preparing for war, the play’s serious message about standing up for what is right when all around you people are losing their morals and their heads, was brilliantly supported by slapstick comedy.Egan Tearle played the part of Richard Hannay, and was the perfect hero.Raised an orphan and having served in the military, Hannay was now struggling to make his way in London and was looking for love. Meeting a mysterious woman (Annabella Schmidt) with a beguiling accent and a fear of the secret agents who were after her, Hannay agreed to help.She explained they must go to Scotland the very next day to find a man called Professor Jordan, and uncover a secret known as The 39 Steps – a secret critical to national security. Time was of the essence. Jordan, played by the well-known actor Julia Harris, would be recognisable by his little finger – half of which was missing.During the night, however, the enemy’s secret agents caught up with Schmidt and did her in. Played by Anna Maria Logan, Schmidt died spectacularly over Hannay, a dagger in her back. Hannay slickly wriggled out from under the dead woman, and became determined to pick up the baton of finding and exposing The 39 Steps.Tearle was very convincing as the debonair and James Bond-esque Hannay, as he pursued his righteous quest on a train to Scotland (crawling over the roof to get away from the secret agents), on foot through marshes and streams, and on a motorbike (complete with goggles and streaming white scarf). Wardrobe, managed by Rita Ann Penhale Cashmore, was right on trend for the early 20th century.During the chase, Hannay acquired a more promising love interest. This one – Pamela Edwards, played by Holly Jacobson, another student – managed to stay alive through the ups and downs of the quest (and their relationship), despite being handcuffed to Hannay and dragged around Scotland at a cracking pace. The hunt for the truth was cleverly enabled by the use of space and construction of the set designed by John Gilberthorpe, a stalwart of GLT and Studio 73.Alan De la Mare’s complicated lighting plot added dramatically to the mood and atmosphere of the production.In pursuit of The 39 Steps, it was revealed that Professor Jordan and his wife (played by Rachel Norman) were the enemy. They were supported by a cache of secret agents and cleverly planted locals who had been turned to the enemy’s cause.The play was directed by the brilliant and very experienced Lynn Bushell, who lifted the slapstick elements by revealing the set and costume/character changes in full view of the audience, rather than behind the scenes.The secret agents’ getaway car, in which Hannay and Edwards were held prisoner, was blocked by a flock of sheep which invaded the audience, enabling the hero and heroine to escape, much to the amusement of the rural audience. Dancing girls – lanky teenage boys in tutus doing the Can Can – brought the house down.Drama and performance students from Kuranui College – Heath Dunnet, Keiran Downs, Owen Wos and Finn-Oskar Mikkelsen – played all the other parts in the play including ancient Scottish politicians, police officers under the spell of the secret agents, hired muscle, and the opening/closing character, Mr Memory. The energy of the students, their capacity to portray multiple and GREYTOWN LITTLE THEATRE AT STUDIO 73The 39 Steps: Review by Angela YeomanKieran Gleeson and his team specialise in architectural homes, and renovations/extensions, while also offering a full range of building services. Their work is defined by a commitment to quality, communication, and delivering results that stand the test of time.Bringing Quality Craftsmanship to South WairarapaGet in touch today:[email protected] www.kbgleesonbuilding.co.nzTree reductions & removalsPruning & TrimmingHedging & ShapingStump grinding & Storm DamageQualified Wairarapa Arboristspecialising in:TREE SERVICESFree no obligation quotes!Andy Traill – [email protected]

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 17very different characters, and their expertise with accents, was extraordinary.Other students from the College – Harry Crawford and Dallas Riley – were skillfully in charge of sound and assisted with the lighting. Hopefully we will see many more plays at Studio 73 and elsewhere that showcase the skills of the students.Although Mr Memory was killed at the end, his last gasp (thankfully) revealed the secret of The 39 Steps. And Hannay, like James Bond, got the girl – a happy ending after a madcap, fastpaced romp in a time both long ago and much like now.Angela Yeoman is a writer living in Carterton.The cast and crew of The 39 StepsQuick & Quirkynext Greytown Little Theatre show at Studio 73 Greytown Little Theatre’s next production will be, Quick & Quirky, a season of funny, dramatic and entertaining short plays and monologues. The season will run for five shows from Wednesday 20 May to Saturday 23 May at 7.30pm, finishing with a matinee at 2pm on Sunday 24 May at Studio 73. Quick & Quirky was first presented in 2024 and proved highly popular with audiences. GLT has created a diverse new programme which is certain to entertain with the ‘dramatic, to the funny and the quirky’. It features mostly plays and monologues by New Zealand writers plus some with an international flavour. Quick & Quirky will be presented in our usual cabaret style with tickets $25, students $15. Tickets can now be purchased by emailing [email protected] or texting or calling John, 0274 586 126 with your booking requirements. There is no Eventfinda ticketing for this show.Do you have a great story for The Greytown [email protected] phone (06) 304 9245Greytown’s very own FREE paper, The Greytown Grapevine,covering urban and RD1

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS18 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026GOODBONES?GOTCALL 06 601 3401 TO BOOK YOUR BONE SCANOsteoporosis affects more than 50% of women and 30% of menover 60. Sadly, most sufferers only learn they have fragile boneswhen they break one, leading to life-changing consequences.But osteoporosis is largely preventable and treatable. Getting aDEXA bone density scan is the best way to identify your risk ofosteoporosis and reduced bone strength, which is the first step inpreventing both.A DEXA scan is a quick, safe and painless procedure, and it's nowavailable at Greyscale Ultrasound based in Five Rivers Medical.There's no need for a referral. To book your appointment, call us on06 601 3401.FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT GREYSCALEULTRASOUND.CO.NZOR ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERGREYTOWN HERITAGE TRUST / TE POUHERE TOANGA O KURATĀWHITIGreytown Heritage Trust invites you to their 2026 Annual General MeetingGreytown Heritage Trust holds its AGM on Tuesday 28 May at 6.30 for 7.00 pm, in the WBS Room, Greytown Town Hall.There will be a little formal business and reporting but principally this is your opportunity to hear and meet Lyn Eglinton, renown and celebrated for her garden design and her garden of national significance, Stablehouse, in Masterton.It’s a garden of spaces and pauses, rooms and reveals. Lyn cites Sissinghurst as her prompt for a career as a garden designer. Harold Nicholson’s dictum for Sissinghurst as a “succession of privacies”, infuses much of her own work to this day.She first visited Sissinghurst garden at age 22 when her contemporaries were quaffing at the Munich Beer Fest.Not another person was there on that late summer day. Sackville-West’s exquisite and extraordinary garden was, in that moment, Lyn’s alone. Unheard of amidst the rumpus of contemporary tourism, she climbed the tower to sit in Vita’s chair in her writing room. Sissinghurst stayed with her until 1996 when she enrolled in landscape design at university. Intervening years and reading and travel had embedded Lyn’s sensibilities very clearly in a style which harbours restraint and an abiding sense of history.Lyn speaks of fancying the classics. A Fagus sylvatica hedge brings her joy in winter; as do varieties of Buxus. Favoured palates are lime green, white and silver. There’s delight in the architecture of pleached walks, fastigiate trees and topiary, cloud pruning and classic pottery planters.You are invited to hear Lyn speak. To explore with her, symmetry, light and shadow. And to share the premise of hope without which a gardener would fail to be a gardener. Greytown Heritage Trust Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 28 May at 6.30 for 7.00 pm in the WBS Room in the Town Hall. RSVP to [email protected] Membership Greytown’s heritage, notably its Victorian buildings and significant trees, is what the Greytown Heritage Trust values and champions. Our heritage attracts people to visit, play, stay and live here. If you are interested in our heritage and would like to support the Trust’s work in advocacy, promotion and protection, please join us. Membership rates: $28 single, $46 couple and $46 individual businesses. Pay on-line: Greytown Heritage Trust, Account 03–0609–0090667–00. Surname in Ref field; ‘individual’, ‘couple’, ‘business’ or ‘donation’ in Particulars field; and phone number in Code field. We will contact you for your first name(s) and address for your receipt.Carmel Ferguson, Chairperson, 021 925 573, [email protected] Eglinton

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 19SUNSET CINEMAThe Cranes Are Flying for Anzac DayThis 1957 Palme d’Or winner flies in at just the perfect moment – an anti-war film as we hesitate on the brink of a potential world war. Prepare yourself to be dazzled by exquisite cinematography, masterful storytelling and fully rounded characters.Boris, a factory worker, and Veronika, a nurse, are thrust into a harsh reality of life during wartime. Boris volunteers for service, leaving Veronika with a toy squirrel, a birthday gift, and her only memento of him. The couple, now separated, fight their own battles. Veronika resists the romantic advances of Boris’ cousin at home while Boris fights the enemy on the front lines. Bring your tissues as Veronika and Boris lose the most so the Soviet Union and allied forces can continue on.It is still a bargain to snaffle a full season membership $80 so hop onto www.sunsetcinemacarterton.com to make the most of our 2026 screenings. Full membership can be used at any other Film Society in NZ and also gives you the perk of “Friends with Benefits” where you can bring a friend for free once during the year. If you can’t commit to all screenings this year then try a threetrip sampler for $35, so you can glide along whenever it suits you. The Cranes Are Flying screens Friday 24 April. You can find us at the Rangatahi Hub behind the Event Centre, down the driveway beside the town clock and ITM. Our doors open at 7pm for tickets, tasty treats and a chat with the locals, before the movie starts at 7.30pm. The Gliding Club at Papawai Airstrip has had a busy summer season.There were several first solo flights, plus badge flights for height gains, and the five hour duration flight. This was achieved by 16 year old Julius Schaefer from Kuranui College in five hours and one minute. Several flights have been flown to Waipukurau and back, a distance of 300km there and back. Some have even flown out into Cook Strait and could have easily crossed to the South Island. The club’s chief flying instructor has trained up three new instructors for dual instruction. If you have ever wanted to try flying, then gliding is the most amazing and rewarding flying you can possibly achieve, as well as belonging to a very active gliding club right here in Greytown. It only costs $39 for club members to take a launch to 600m (2,000 ft) and $25 for subsequent launches on that day, plus the cost of hiring the club’s excellent two-seater training gliders. Instructors are not paid as our sport works with trained volunteers, and this includes instructors. Give it a go.Visit www.wwgc.co.nz for more information.Grae HarrisonWELLINGTON WAIRARAPA GLIDING CLUBA different viewAmit at front with instructor Mark Wilson63 Main Street Greytown [email protected] 270 8122 | 06 370 2336Enquiries welcome!GREYTOWNPilates “A great habit”$20/class – $150/10 class ticket.Mats and equipment supplied.9am10am11am6pmTue Thu SatStrength & FlexibilityStrength & Flexibility9.15am Chair PilatesCore Focused Core FocusedRestorative FlowLengthen & StrengthenReminder10 trip tickets now $150

SWDC20 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026COUNCIL NEWS FOR APRILApril has put the spotlight on Nature at Night across the Wairarapa, following International Dark Sky Week and Conservation Week, both held this month.Nature at Night encourages communities to reduce unnecessary lighting, save power and protect the night environment. The focus recognises dark skies as an essential part of nature, supporting wildlife and healthy ecosystems.The Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve is part of the International Dark Sky Association, which values low light pollution and clear night skies. Organisers say that simple actions, such as switching off unused outdoor lights and using lower‑intensity options, can cut electricity use while protecting the sky.Nature at Night draws attention to the positive benefits of lowering the use of light outside and encourages the community to take part. Find out about Nature at Night activities at: www.wairarapadarksky.nz/nature-at-night Photograph by Mark Gee.Find the free DIY lighting assessment online: swdc.govt.nz/wairarapainternational-dark-sky-reserve Have your say on State Highway speeds Community feedback is being welcomed by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, which is proposing lower speed limits on three short stretches of road across the Wairarapa. Two stretches of road are in South Wairarapa and the third is in Masterton. All proposed speed reductions have been made in response to strong community feedback that current speed limits are not suitable for these stretches of road. • SH2 Featherston south – reduced from 70km/h to 50km/h from south-west of Wakefield Street to west of Renall Street.• SH53 Martinborough – reduced from 70km/h to 50km/h, from west of Palliser Estate Winery on Kitchener Street approach to Martinborough (existing 100/70km/h change point), to north of Princess Street. • SH2 Masterton north – 100km/h to 80km/h, from Opaki Road from Fourth Street northwards to south of Somerset Drive.Have your say before Friday 15 May at 5pm on www.nzta.govt.nz/wairarapa-speed-reviewsGreytown festival’s funding lift Greytown’s biggest festival will have an extra sparkle this winter with a big funding boost from South Wairarapa District Council’s Economic Development Fund, which gave $49,999 to the New Zealand Festival of Christmas to recognise its role in building tourism at a quieter time of year. Mayor Fran Wilde said protecting major drawcard events was essential for the district as other funding sources shrink. “If we don’t support our anchor events, we risk losing visitors when we need them most.” The Greytown-based mid-winter Festival of Christmas joins Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival and Pour and Explore in Martinborough as key anchor events to gain from the Fund’s pool of $180,000, which was awarded in March. The fund supports events that put South Wairarapa on the map, especially in winter when visitor numbers can be lower than other times of year. The fund received over 45 applications and a rigorous shortlisting and scoring process awarded 10 groups. (Photograph by Mike Heydon.)Full details are online: swdc.govt.nz/news/economic-development-fund-boosts-south-wairarapa Lower speeds implementedfor increased safety This month you may have noticed some lower speed limits implemented on some of Greytown and Featherston’s peri-urban roads (around the perimeter of the towns) as part of the Council’s Speed Management Plan, approved by the Director of Land Transport in November 2025. The Plan aims to improve road safety, especially where there’s a bigger potential risk, such as: • Areas around schools and marae • High-risk routes where lower speed limits are considered appropriate • Peri-urban roads with high levels of walking and cycling • Coastal settlement roads with residential use and limited footpaths • Unsealed roads, which are approximately 30% of the district’s roading The first lower speeds were implemented in January with variable speeds around schools before and after the school bell, supported by new signs. Greytown, Featherston and Martinborough have all had lower speed changes implemented on some of their peri-urban roads. Rural speed reductions will follow in May. Keep an eye out for updates as timeframes are confirmed on swdc.govt.nz/south-wairarapa-district-speed-changes-2026 April puts spotlight on Nature at Night in South Wairarapa

SWDCThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 21April marks ANZAC Day Commemorations each year and members of the Greytown Community Board are attending and hoping to see many members of the community there at Soldiers Memorial Park.The Greytown Community Board is also getting ready to start consulting with the community for our Community Plan for this term. We plan to consult by attending social, sport and community focused clubs, organisations, charities and groups, then hold general community-wide opportunities to hear what the community wants from its Community Board. Contact with the groups will start towards the end of May. Upcoming Events:• Formal Greytown Community Board Meeting on Thursday, 30 April 2026 Grants applications for the end of this financial year will be considered.• Annual Expo to Seek Volunteers, Greytown Town Centre on Sunday, 7 June 2026 This is an opportunity for the community to come and meet members of social, sport and community-minded organisations in Greytown and get involved. Our Community Groups are always seeking new interest and membership to keep them going and available.• Arbor Day Celebration Annual Ceremony at Arbor Reserve on 3 July 2026.Greytown Community Board is working strongly to help prepare the community for emergency situations by raising awareness and how to be resilient. More information will be available about this next month.As always, we want to hear from the Greytown Community about what we can do better to serve you so please reach out to us anytime by email at [email protected] Brown, ChairCommunity FocusLouise Brown, ChairCitycare Water to deliver district’s three waters servicesSouth Wairarapa District Council is pleased to share that Citycare Water (Citycare) will deliver the district’s three waters operations, maintenance, and reactive renewals from 1 July 2026. Since 2019, Wellington Water Ltd (WWL) has managed water, wastewater, and stormwater services for South Wairarapa. From 1 July 2026, WWL will operate as Tiaki Wai (Metro Water) to serve several Wellington councils, creating a one-year gap for South Wairarapa before the Wairarapa Tararua water entity is operational from 1 July 2027. James O’Connor, Group Manager Infrastructure & Community Operations, shares that Council undertook a robust procurement process and identified Citycare as the preferred provider. “Citycare had robust responses throughout the procurement process. They impressed us with their strong resources, proven systems, and clear methodology. Their track record gives us confidence in their ability to deliver for our community.” Mayor Fran Wilde adds, “Our priority is to ensure safe, reliable water services at a cost that aligns with our Long-Term Plan. Citycare demonstrated they can deliver on both fronts.” “This contract guarantees that South Wairarapa residents will continue to receive safe drinking water and compliant wastewater services throughout the transition to the new water entity. SWDC is also working closely with WWL and contractors to retain skilled local staff, ensuring expertise remains in our community.” Citycare is New Zealand’s largest provider of three waters operations and maintenance services and was South Wairarapa’s water operator before WWL came on board. “We look forward to a collaborative partnership with SWDC to provide essential water services for South Wairarapa. Together, we are committed to delivering safe, resilient and reliable three waters solutions that protect the environment and support the community” shared Gareth Husband, Citycare Water Acting Chief Executive. The contract is for a three-year term with a one-year right of renewal at the discretion of the new entity and will be novated to the new Wairarapa Tararua water entity in July next year.Funding forum open to everyoneCommunity groups, clubs, iwi and not-for-profit organisations are all invited to attend this year’s South Wairarapa Funder’s Forum, which is to be held at Anzac Hall in Featherston on Monday 4 May from 3pm to 6pm. The forum is a collaborative event organised between the three councils in the Wairarapa region, with forums held at local venues in each district to bring together a range of funding providers operating within the region. Its purpose is to make funding more accessible by enabling direct, face to face engagement between funders and applicants demystifying the grants landscape in forums in each district.The Wairarapa Funders Forums demonstrate how councils can:• Act as trusted convenors between funders and communities• Improve funding outcomes without directly increasing council grant budgets• Strengthen regional collaboration across districts• Support long-term community resilience and project deliveryThe forums provide a valuable opportunity for community groups, sports clubs, and individuals seeking funding support now or in the near future to connect directly with regional fund advisors. Attendees can ask questions, discuss project ideas and gain practical insights into funding and grant processes.The Council is appreciative to Eastern & Central Community Trust and Trust House for generously covering venue, printing, and catering costs.Email your text and images (as attachments, NOT pasted into Word thank you) to [email protected] you have a story for the Greytown Grapevine?

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS22 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026The Wairarapa’s artistic community showed up in true style. Our call for circular artworks drew an extraordinary response, with more than 90 round works filling the Greytown Art Gallery from 1-15 April.The exhibition was officially opened by Mayor Fran Wilde, who shared her enthusiasm and support for the creativity on display.A heartfelt thankyou to our dedicated gallery team, the talented artists who contributed their work, and the art lovers who visited and celebrated the show with us. Your energy and generosity helped make Full Circle a truly memorable success.As a gallery dedicated to offering a beautiful, professional space for both emerging and established Wairarapa artists, we’re proud to welcome artists and art enthusiasts into our community.What began in 2023 as a small group of committed creatives has now grown into a vibrant society of 24 members, all passionate about celebrating and supporting the artistic talent of our region.Thank you for your continued support – it’s your enthusiasm that helps our creative community thrive.Throughout the leadup to Anzac Day, the gallery will once again be offering poppies for adults and children to decorate onsite – a simple, meaningful way to take part in this annual community tradition. We’re also running a colouring-in competition for children aged 5-12, open from Friday 17 April through to Monday 27 April.The gallery is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm, so wander in anytime to enjoy the beautiful work of our local artists – and feel inspired to add your own creative touch by decorating a poppy.TE HUPENUI / GREYTOWN ART GALLERYFull Circle ExhibitionFriends of Te Hupenui/Greytown Gallery If you are interested in joining the ‘Friends’ and having exclusive access to the gallery and specific events, please email [email protected]. Keep an eye out on social media for up and coming events at the gallery. Linda Kirkland, Gallery EditorLearn how to:• Use your camera confidently on manual settings• Improve composition and visual storytelling• Master Adobe Photoshop and image editing• Receive constructive critique on your photography• Process and print black & white film in the darkroomTerry Wreford HannGrand Master of the NZ Institute of Professional [email protected] 486 2862Want to take your photography to the next level?Professional photographer Terry Hann offers relaxed, practical tuition for photographers of all levels.One-on-one or small group sessions available.Perfect for beginners, enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to develop a more creative photographic eye.Photography Tuition CARPET Learn to Create Better Images& HARDFLOORINGSPECIALSShaun Stephens0272 663 362Local Business Owner Wairarapa 0800 102 004 | harrisonscarpet.co.nzWe come to you!Artists, Terry Hann, Sonja Bremmers, Sandi Maddox and Simon King at the ready to accept bids at Full Circle

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 23March was a “quiet” month for the brigade, with 12 call-outs – still an average of one every 2.5 days. These included one vegetation fire, two miscellaneous fires, eight motor vehicle accidents and one alarm activation.We attended a lovely end-of-summer event at the Greytown Pool, held to thank the brigade and lifeguards for their work over the busy summer period. It was a great way to enjoy one last afternoon at the pool before it closed for the season. We’d like to thank Smallfields Events Ltd for organising the event and for recognising the work we do. Unfortunately, the siren delayed the start of the first race, but that’s life!A big thank you also to Steve Meyrick at Pinehaven Orchards Ltd for hosting our annual Easter egg hunt for the children of brigade members. The orchard proved to be a perfect setting, with plenty of hiding places!Training looked a little different this month as we combined it with fundraising. A local couple had a swimming pool that was damaged beyond repair, so the crew stepped in to help. We pumped out the water, removed the liner and dismantled the metal sides, making good use of our new portable pump and practising with cutting gear. We also spent a training night sharpening our chainsaw skills and cutting firewood ahead of an upcoming fundraiser. Thanks again to Steve at Pinehaven Orchards Ltd for donating the wood.With the recent clock change, now is a good time to check and clean your smoke alarms. It’s a simple step that can save lives.We’d also like to highlight the risks of disposing of lithium-ion batteries in household rubbish. There have been several rubbish truck fires in other regions caused by batteries being thrown away incorrectly. Please dispose of them safely at appropriate facilities.Q & AQ: I have a small fire at my property – should I call the station directly or 111?A: Always call 111. The call centre will alert firefighters, ensure the right appliances are sent, arrange backup if needed, and provide advice while help is on the way. Even small fires can spread quickly, so it’s best to get into the system immediately.Skytower Challenge: Training and CommunityThe team has stepped up training for the upcoming Skytower Challenge. Members took part in the 5km Greytown Woodside Park Run wearing full Level 2 firefighting gear, including breathing apparatus. While running in 25kg of gear wasn’t practical, the team completed the course in a very respectable 1 hour and 2 minutes – and no one ran out of air. Support from the community along the route was greatly appreciated.We also climbed Mt Dick with members of the Carterton brigade’s Skytower team, comparing training approaches and enjoying some friendly competition.We hosted a stall at the Greytown Country Market to raise funds, sell raffle tickets for Blood Cancer NZ, and talk about what we do. It was great to connect with the community, and several children enjoyed having their photo taken with a firefighter.The raffle was drawn on 16 March, and we thank Smallfields Events Ltd, Pure Massage Greytown and Challenge Greytown for their generous prize donations.This month we introduce Nadene Hawley:“I’m excited to take part in this event with my brigade teammates. I enjoy pushing myself physically, and climbing 1,100 stairs alongside other firefighters will be an amazing challenge. The training has included cardio, strength and conditioning, but the best part is the camaraderie within the team.“Training in firefighting gear is tough. It keeps heat out but also traps it inside, raising your core temperature quickly. Over time, your body adapts, improving your ability to work in high-pressure, high-heat environments. That’s a real benefit for our role as volunteer firefighters.”If you’d like to support the team, donations can be made via this link https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/t/2026-greytownvolunteer-fire-brigadeAbove L-R: Nadene Hawley, Mike Roil-Glendenning and Shelley Murphy GREYTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADELess time on callouts, more time in the communityOur new portable pump and practising with cutting gear

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS24 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026ClubSouth Wairarapa The 49th Rotary Martinborough Fair season has come to an end and great progress has been made on recycling. Fair conyenor Sue Harraway and her team have been committed to improving our recycling with less going to land fill. The results are now in!ProgressWe’re proud of the progress made at the Martinborough Rotary Fair over the years. Starting with an average recovery rate of 46% in 2023, the event has shown steady improvement through 2024 and 2025, achieving an average recovery rate of 82.3%. We’re now aiming to push this even further to 90% in the coming years. Our dedicated Rotary Recycle Warriers monitored rubbish and educated visitors. Key Changes The transition from non-compostable and non-recyclable packaging to compostable and biodegradable servingware marked a key turning point in the results.Recovery rates The 49th Rotary Martinborough Fair season has come to an end and great progress has been made on recycling. Fair conyenor Sue Harraway and her team have been committed to improving our recycling with less going to land fill. The results are now in!PROGRESS We’re proud of the progress made at the Martinborough Rotary Fair over the years. Starting with an average recovery rate of 46% in 2023, the event has shown steady improvement through 2024 and 2025, achieving an average recovery rate of 82.3%. We’re now aiming to push this even further to 90% in the coming years. Our dedicated Rotary Recycle Warriers monitored rubbish and educated visitors.Key Changes The transition from non-compostable and non-recyclable packaging to compostable and biodegradable servingware marked a key turning point in the results.RECOVERY RATES HOW YOU HELPED IN 20261. Your cans provided 34 family meals. Cans collected from the event were donated to the Cans for Kai initiative, supporting the Kai Ika Project.2. By choosing compostable and biodegradable servingware.3. By bringing your own coffee cup & water bottles & choosing recycable containers. Items like this MILK SHAKE CARTON go to land fill!How you helped in 2026• Your cans provided 34 family meals. Cans were donated to the Cans for Kai initiative, supporting the Kai Ika Project.• By choosing compostable and biodegradable servingware.• By bringing your own coffee cup, water bottles and choosing recycable containers, items like milkshake cartons go to landfill! SOUTH WAIRARAPA ROTARY CLUBRotary Fair season ends Are you aged 55+?Relocated?Changed lifestyles?Retired?or looking for a new interest?Then, come along to the SWWMC on the Interested? Please phone 027 466 7524You’re invited to join the Tauherenikau Friendship ClubDo you enjoy:• making new friends • hearing great speakers • convivial morning teas?We also have optional group activities,including:• antiques • dining out • gardening

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 25I’ll get the job done...Dingo Expert: 4-in-1 bucket,leveling bars, augers, trencher,concrete mixerExperienced Painter: Spray orbrushSmall Tree Services: Felling,topping, pruning,Call David Stevenson022 353 4504Garden Maintenance: Spraying,weeding, lawncare, hedge trimLandscaping: Fencing,excavation, drainageHouse Cleaning: Water blasting,spoutings & drainProperty & Building Repairs• Children • Adolescents • Adults • Coupleswww.lizdixoncounselling.come: [email protected] m: 027 494 8475face-to-face, on-line and phone sessions available.• Qualified and experienced • Safe supportive environment • Confidentiality assuredMarch dinner meeting speakers were Naomi and daughter Katie OsborneWood, with her father answering questions on the Wairarapa Youth Orchestra. The Orchestra was founded in 2021 and aimed to provide a fun and supportive environment for students to learn and enjoy playing music in an orchestra setting. A variety of orchestral instruments are available to learn; violin, cello, double bass, flute, trombone, French horn and clarinet. The tutors have a wealth of experience in the music industry in NZ and abroad. Each term they perform a musical concert in Wairarapa to give our students the opportunity to shine in front of their community.Naomi thanked our Club for the recent donation to the WYO, which has enabled 22 students to receive music lessons this year. This organisation is a community-based education orchestra that supports the musical learning and development at primary and secondary schools across Wairarapa. The Scholarship Lesson programme helps cover the cost of individual tuition for talented young musicians who would otherwise be unable to learn an instrument.Katie, a Year 12 student at Solway College, then entertained the ladies present by playing two pieces on her Harp.The WYO gave a Concert in the St David’s Church in Carterton on Monday 30 March, which some of our members attended, and found wonderfully uplifting.During the month, two teams from our club entered the Cobblestones Fundraising Quiz held in Cobblestones. All enjoyed the evening of fun and laughter no matter where they scored.Members sold raffle tickets for Easter and the money raised going towards the local Scouts. Winner of the Crochet Rug (made by one of our members) went to Christine Jackman. 1st Prize of the box of Easter Goodies went to Gavin Green (the Butcher) and 2nd Prize went to Anne Slater consisting of similar Easter goodies.Our club was grateful to the generous support of locals and passers-by in purchasing items at our Market Day held outside Studio 73 in Greytown.A new prospective member is joining us during April, and our AGM is coming up in May.RED ROBIN CLUB GREYTOWNMonthly tweetRed Robin Club Greytown are a fun group of ladies who meet on the second Tuesday of every month for a Business Meeting, and the fourth Tuesday for a Dinner Meeting, usually held in The Offering café in Greytown in the evening. We service the community whenever asked for assistance in collecting for organisations. We also do fundraising of various projects which goes back into the community or Wairarapa overall. Contact Helen Gray on 021 160 6088, she will be happy to explain further information about our club to any women who are interested.Katie Osborne-Wood

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS26 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026Open Wednesday to Saturday 9.00 am till 3.00pmThe March meeting of the TFC featured another absorbing speaker – Maureen Cameron – who gave a talk about her father Murray Connolly who became a prisoner of war during World War Two. Murray was born in 1919 and lived on Main Street in Greytown. He signed up for the New Zealand army 25th Battalion C company in December 1940 and fought in the Greek campaign. After surviving this, Murray was returned to Egypt, and in Libya suffered a bullet wound to the leg and another that went through his helmet, narrowly missing his skull. He was captured in 1941 (listed as missing) and put on a troop ship – the Jantzen. While being transported to Italy, his ship was torpedoed, killing 500 prisoners in the hold. Murray managed to swim to the shore but came under Italian guard again and ended up in a prison camp in southern Italy. Conditions were grim, with widespread malnutrition, and Murray spent many weeks planning his escape. Rather than create a tunnel which were quite often discovered by the guards, Murray and his two fellow compatriots decided to make their escape through the barbed wire fence. They put a hook on the end of a fork which was used to loosen the coils on the wire, gradually making the fence ready for escape. On the pretence of playing soccer each day, one of the men would move close to the fence to loosen coils a few at a time. The day prior to the escape, as a marker, a very rough line of stones was put down leading to the fence, as their getaway would be in pitch black. Waiting until the guards had a party, the three POWs knew that timing was everything, with only 30 seconds between spotlights from the watchtower. They successfully trampled down the fence and Murray was the last one through. Murray then spent seven months on the run, constantly on the move and relying on good will from locals for food and shelter. He was eventually caught by a German patrol and interrogated and beaten for hours. He was put on a train to a camp in Berlin/Brandenburg and in due course was liberated by the Americans in 1945.After a month of treatment in a London hospital, Murray was put on a troop ship to New Zealand and arrived in Wellington. His parents were shocked to receive a letter to advise them of his arrival, as they had no idea he was alive. Murray died in Greytown in 2005. The 10 April meeting at the SWWMC featured two speakers – Yvonne Rhodes on her family history and Viv Green on her early years. TAUHERENIKAU FRIENDSHIP CLUBA prisoner of war, some kiwi ingenuity and a daring escape

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 27GREYTOWN LIONS CLUBTrishaw returns for ANZAC dayIt has been a bit of a quiet time over the last few weeks as far as Greytown Lions Club goes.There was a very successful outing of several club members, their wives, and some members of the Red Robin Club who attended the latest work by Greytown Little Theatre.Later this month there is a combined meeting with Carterton Lions Club, with a meal followed by a “social sporting contest” to vie for the Harry Gray Trophy. This was intended to happen last year but was deferred after the sudden death of the Carterton Lions Club President.The application for funding made to the South Wairarapa District Council’s Economic Development Fund, in order to widen the existing Lions Walkway from Udy St to the Wire Shed (to facilitate a “double-lane” so that cyclists could pass more easily), was unsuccessful. We will explore alternative funding sources as they become available.We have delivered a few loads of firewood to raffle winners in the past month, and a new donation of firewood was made to the Rathkeale College First XI football team to enable them to travel to Australia for a tournament.At most of our club meetings we have a guest speaker. At our last meeting, Bronwyn Locke spoke to us about her work as a midwife with Medecins Sans Frontieres. She worked in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and for a time in northern Nigeria, as well as stints in Vanuatu and Niue Island. She described the unique and challenging situations that the staff faced including warring militias, extreme skilled staff shortages in some places, and a maternal mortality rate much higher than would be seen in New Zealand. The main causes of maternal death were infections, prolonged obstructed labour, bleeding, unsafe abortions and very high blood pressure. Much of Bronwyn’s work was involved in training staff how to best manage some of these obstetric emergencies.At our next meeting we have as guest speaker a representative from Wellington Free Ambulance based in the Wairarapa, talking to us about how they manage time-critical emergencies that cannot be handled by Wairarapa Hospital and need urgent transfer to the tertiary hospital (Wellington) usually. These emergencies include major trauma, serious heart attacks and strokes which involve close liaison between the paramedics, the local hospital and the tertiary hospital, as well as Life Flight. This promises to be a very interesting talk indeed.Our club owns a large tricycle equipped to carry up to two passengers plus the “pilot” of the bike. It is known as the ‘Trishaw’. It used to be based in Greytown but demand for its use has declined in recent times, so has been loaned to Carterton Lions Club. It is returning to Greytown for ANZAC Day where it will be put to use giving rides to frail/elderly folk. It is planned to keep it for a longer period to ascertain if there is any new demand for its use by local rest homes.One of Greytown Lions Club sub-committees – Helping Hands – does odd jobs around the home for the infirm and elderly. It is planning to expand its horizons a bit to offer transport to older or frail people who cannot drive so that they can get to local places – supermarkets, medical centres, cafés – short distance trips only within Greytown.On 15 and 16 May, Hospice Wairarapa is holding a street appeal outside Fresh Choice supermarket. Our club members will be helping with this perhaps with the assistance of another service club. The fame of the Greytown Mid-Winter Christmas Festival has spread, and we have been asked to host a few of the Opunake Lions Club members who will visit Greytown for the Festival, and some will stay over and attend one of our club meetings.Over the last ten years, the annual Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival has grown to be the third largest literary/book festival in the country – and the largest regional literary/book festival. And it’s well and truly put Featherston Paetūmōkai and the South Wairarapa on the national and international map as distinctive and vibrant destinations, along with enabling thousands of students at the local schools, through the Book Voucher Project, to buy books and begin – or continue – their exciting reading journey. Now, according to recent analysis, it’s been revealed that the annual Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival, along with its community and artistic impact, generates a substantial economic benefit each year to our town and region – $2.274 million, in fact. Featherston Booktown Trust treasurer, Darin Goulding, said this “very low-end estimate” is based on actual event ticket sales and the 10,000 visitors over the Festival weekend, buying from the eight Featherston bookshops and the additional booksellers in the Festival marquee, food trucks and other food and beverage providers. Sincere thanks to the South Wairarapa District Council for its ongoing support of Featherston Booktown – which, in turn, has helped to enable the annual Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival to make a substantial contribution to our vibrant region. And we are about to do it once again for the 2026 Karukatea Festival. Globally renowned Australian author Hannah Kent, Aotearoa superstar Catherine Chidgey, activist Tāme Iti, former Olympian and popular reading influencer Gemma Flynn and former All Blacks mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka are among the lineup of writers, raconteurs, and thinkers coming to Featherston next month.The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival takes place from 8-10 May. The full programme and tickets can be found at https://www.booktown.org.nz/Last year’s Featherston Booktown event with John Campbell. Photo Luciana Zanmonti PhotographyFeatherston Booktown

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS28 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026We had another great sharpening day! The weather was fine and many locals arrived with a wide variety of implements that needed sharpening.A big thank you for coming and supporting the Menz Shed and for the members to give something back to the community.In the previous issue of the Greytown Grapevine, we showed an old cartwheel being loaded on to a ute to take it to the Menz Shed to have a stand constructed. We have now returned it with a steel collar and stand so that it can be properly (and safely) displayed at the museum.Lauren, a newcomer to the Menz Shed, made a beautiful table from a slab of wood. This was her first project and a great success. We have been tasked to construct “Weta Motels”. Based on a tested design and with Menz Shed refinement, we have completed 10 new “Motels” to be installed in a quiet wooded area ready and vacant for curious wetas. Bob ChambersGREYTOWN MENZ SHEDBug motels and young talent& Appliances (2017) LtdNeed an electrician?We can do all electrical work Wairarapa wide• Complete rewires • New builds • General maintenance and repairsCALL US TODAY34-36 High Street South, CartertonPhone: 06 379 8930 | Email: [email protected] DayReady for it’s final placeHomes for bugs Lauren proudly displays her first ever project at the Menz Shed

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 29Wairarapa Word invites you to an afternoon of travels through Italy, where opera was born. Opera aficionado Patricia Hurley and artist Anne Taylor – a former Greytown resident – will share stories about their recent book Viva Opera! A Journey Through Italy which has over 150 photographs and detailed maps. Patricia Hurley has degrees in French and Italian languages and literature, lived in Rome for four years, managed Wellington City Opera for 10 years, and runs tours to Italy. She was awarded the Italian honour, Cavaliere of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy (OMRI) in 2006.Artist Anne Taylor is a print and book designer, Hansard Editor, and a member of Wellington Urban Sketchers. She has exhibited widely in Wairarapa and Wellington. Ian Grant, publisher of Fraser Books, will be present. Fraser Books describes their book: “Viva Opera! brings together Patricia Hurley’s lifelong love of Italian opera, language, literature, places and people, together with the desire to take readers and travellers on an enriching journey, to enhance their experience of this great art form along with the understanding of Italy and the Italians and how it all came about. “There is more to opera than just going to the opera performance… Composers and performers are placed in the context of their times since the 1600s… their lives set against backgrounds of political upheavals, wars, plagues, famines, earthquakes, as well as major artistic movements. Their personalities are revealed, their lives and loves, their stories...”When: Sunday 3 May at 3pm. Where: Community Courthouse, 60 Holloway St., Carterton. Conversation. Q+A. Book sales. All welcome. No reservations are necessary. Koha is appreciated.Wairarapa Word has been offering a free community programme, month after month, since 2012. To receive the e-newsletter, send a “Sign me up” email to: [email protected]. The 7 June session will feature author Nadine Hura; a collaboration with Carterton Library and Carterton District Council Climate Change Strategy Programme. The April session saw Jennifer Andrewes who shared stories of walking some 2,500km from Canterbury to Rome from her recent book The Only Way is Up, a bestseller for two weeks running.WAI WORDViva opera!

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS30 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026Cobblestones is absolutely buzzing with excitement as the Illumination Nightwalk returns for Greytown’s A Very Country Christmas Festival this July.After selling out and leaving many disappointed last year, this magical experience is back with four extra nights added, tickets are already disappearing fast… two nights are already completely sold out! 3-12 July, sessions nightly: 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm.Book your tickets now via Eventfinda for this is one experience you don’t want to miss. Perfect for all ages, the Illumination Nightwalk is pure winter magic.And the excitement doesn’t stop there…The Cobblestones Winter Fair returns on 18 and 19 July, so get ready for a vibrant weekend with market stalls, delicious food, children’s entertainment, and fun for the whole family. It’s the ultimate school holiday outing and an event for everyone to enjoy!We’re still smiling after our Easter Bunny Scavenger Hunt, which brought Easter Sunday to life in the best possible way.From games and creative crafts to clue-hunting adventures, it was a morning full of laughter and fun. The Easter Bunny made a special appearance, and kids went home happily exhausted!A huge thank you to the incredible Wairarapa community for supporting our recent fundraising events – from our Quiz Night and Auction to the Garage Sale and Raffle. Your generosity keeps Cobblestones going.Behind the scenes, it takes a massive effort from our dedicated volunteers, alongside venue hire and gate takings, to keep everything running. It’s not easy and we couldn’t do it without your support.Looking for the perfect venue?Cobblestones offers a safe, spacious environment where kids can run free, plus a brand-new indoor area and large marquee is available – making it ideal for both indoor and undercover events, rain or shine. Get in touch today to book your next event – we’d love to host you!Stay in the loop via our Facebook page and website for the latest updates – Cobblestones has much more to come!COBBLESTONES – WAIRARAPA’S HERITAGE VILLAGE AND MUSEUMIllumination nightwalk, winter fairs and Easter BunnyEaster CraftingDancing with the Easter BunnyIllumination Nightwalk – Secret Garden 20252477 State Highway 2, GreytownLamb-Peters Print offer a wide range of services:• Offset print• Digital print• Letterpress• Signage• Display banners• Roll-up banners• Graphic design• Book design• Newsletters• Posters• Leaflets• Postcards• Business Cards• Labels• Packaging• Photocopying• Laminating... and moreSPECIALISTS& DESIGN 06 304 [email protected] you taking photos to go in the Greytown Grapevine? For the best results, images must be 300dpi and saved as a JPEG. Make sure your Smartphone is set to it’s highest quality. Email your JPEGs as attachments and make sure your email system does not compress the files. Do not paste images into Word please! Send to the team at [email protected]

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 31Our guest speaker in March was Susanna Burton-Thompson, author of A Life of Surprises: random stories of a photojournalist.Her stories were interesting and sometimes verging on the miraculous – from rescuing Vietnamese boat people and freeing an inmate from a Zambian prison, to surviving a shipwreck. There was a loose chronology to her stories and the award-winning photographs she screened. But she presented them as stand-alone anecdotes of her life, both internationally and in New Zealand. I suspect she would translate her title for the talk, Serendipity, as God in Action.Susanna’s photography career began at age 16 on the New Zealand Truth newspaper where she was taken in hand by legendary rugby photographer Peter Bush. After later professional training she had a short career as a wedding photographer, then served for a few years as a volunteer aboard MV Logos, a 2391-ton former cruise ship and floating book fair. The ship was owned by the Christian missionary organisation, Operation Mobilisation, and carried a 41 crew and 98 missionaries – plus 100 tons of religious and educational literature. During 1987, they visited 15 nations in the Caribbean and off South America, before running aground in January 1988.Beagle Channel is a 240 km long waterway through the Tierra del Fuego archipelago between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. On the night of 4 January 1988, in “severe weather conditions”, the two local pilots left the ship about 35 km short of their normal spot at the end of the channel. The ship, with its engines idling for a prolonged disembarkation, was swept by wind and current onto the rocks of a tiny island. Susanna showed photographs of the prayer meeting in the dining room, as they waited in the dark, hoping to float off the rocks at 5 am. However, the ship developed a 20° list and serious flooding so they abandoned ship with life jackets and only the clothes they were wearing. All were accommodated in the lifeboats and Chilean Navy torpedo boats escorted them ashore. Serendipity in the form of the insurance settlement, enabled the purchase of another ship, Logos II – bigger and better than its predecessor.SOUTH WAIRARAPA REBUS CLUBA Life of SurprisesThe South Wairarapa Rebus Club meets at 9:45am on the fourth Friday of each month at the South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club in Greytown. The club prides itself on the quality of its guest speakers, and reviews of previous talks can be found in newsletters on the club’s website: southwairaraparebus.com. Retirees interested in joining are invited to attend a meeting as a visitor. Introduce yourself at the door from the West Street carpark, or contact John Reeve on 021 560 461 for more information. David J Woodhams

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS32 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026GREYTOWN MUSIC GROUPEugene Albulescu in GreytownThe Greytown Music’s association with Greytown goes back to the 1990s, during which Eugene performed five solo concerts here, and one with the Turnovsky Trio.At age 12, Eugene won 1st prize in Romania’s National Music Competition. His family immigrated to New Zealand shortly afterwards, and at age 16 he was the youngest winner of the NZSO Young Musicians’ Competition. With the aid of scholarships he studied at Indiana University, and as he was also given an assistant instructorship position, at 17 he became the youngest person to teach at there. His emergence on the international scene was in 1994, when his debut recording Albulescu plays Liszt, earned him the Grand Prix du Disque Liszt.A noted New York critic praised Eugene for his “infallible fingers of steel”, declaring that “nothing, anywhere, has terrors for him”. He has worked as conductor and soloist with many major orchestras, has presented his signature educational programme, “Inside the Piano”, in over 100 high schools across the USA, and has been the Ulrich Professor of Music at Lehigh University, Pennsylvania for about 30 years.Eugene is enjoying his NZ sabbatical, enabling him to reconnect with the country and the people he has missed over his years in the US. He hopes to retire here someday, when he may have more time to enjoy his outside interests of building boats and harpsichords: to date three dinghies and two harpsichords!When asked what his most memorable playing experience was, and why, he recalled a concert in New York at Bargemusic – on a floating barge, playing Liszt’s Legend no.2, which portrays the legend of St Francis de Paul walking on the waters. The piece is very depictive, with swoops and almost sea-sickening passages, and the swell of the river made it even more of a sensation. Adding to the theatrics of the performance were New York’s magnificent lights, plus snow and lightning!Eugene’s Greytown programme will include music by Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin.Pianist Eugene Albulescu: 4pm on Sunday 3 May at 57 Wood St, Greytown. Admission $30, children $12.For bookings contact Ed and Juliet Cooke, [email protected], or ph 06 304 9497.We are now offering a limited service in Greytown, and we have two rooms available for rent in a quiet area of Greytown, within walking distance of the village. We will be using the third space in the premises. • Suit a professional, ideally in the health services.• Shared spaces include kitchenette, bathroom, small waiting area, garden, and parking. • Rent negotiable and includes power, high speed internet, and a security system. OFFICE / CONSULTATION ROOM AVAILABLE IN GREYTOWNFor more details and to arrange a viewing please contact Liat on 027 421 4084ChangeAbility is a counselling service with our main premises based in MastertonEugene Albulescu. Photo Christine T KreschollekFREE QUOTES – COMPETITIVE PRICESHOURS: MON-FRI 7am-5pm, SAT 8am-12pm201 Main Street Greytown Phone 06 304 7193@ITMGreytownSHEDS, PAVERS, FENCING & MORE!Suppliers of Duratuf garden sheds – check out our display shed.Super Gold Card welcome.We have your landscaping covered!

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTSThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 33UPCLOSE AND PERSONALSteve “Dog” Hall and Karen Clarke – Blues WomanWhen Dog and Karen Clarke fire up, it’s groove on for sure on 17 May, 4pm at Studio 73.Individually impressive and together formidable, these two road-seasoned heavyweight roots artists deliver a powerful, groove laden blues sound. The music sits deep in the pocket – gritty, warm, pulsing – every note handtooled, every song bleeding. Guitars weave, spar, and lock into rhythms that won’t quit. Harmonies soar. The room leans in.Their music travels from Basin Street to the back porches of Mississippi, up through Chicago, and lands right here in Aotearoa’s indie blues scene. Expect a mix of acoustic and electric feels, upcycled standards and strong original material spanning slowburn ballads, rootsy blues rock vibes, and upbeat boogie ‘n swing. The good times will definitely roll.Wellington’s Steve “Dog” Hall is a blues guitarist with serious bite – a road-hardened player known for his searing tone, inventive slide work, and grinding rhythm drive. Karen Clarke has been holding down the groove for decades. A rising force in Aotearoa‘s indie blues scene, her live show hits like a freight train. She’s warm and dangerously disarming. A quiet storm – until the fire kicks in. Presence, power and stories that sting. You don’t just watch a Karen Clarke set – you feel her shift the room. Karen has one of the best blues voices I’ve heard and, together with Steve, this concert will be raw, cranking rhythm’n’blues and goodtime grooves!$25 at the door. Bookings essential. Text 021 0236 1951 or through Eventfinda. Refreshments available for gold coin. Dates for next concerts: 28 June – Too Many Chiefs, Andrew London, Rob Joass and Wayne Mason26 July – Rag Poets Steve “Dog” Hall and Karen ClarkeEugene Albulescu. Photo Christine T KreschollekShould’ve gone to WBS.BuggerContact us todayTs & Cs apply. Rates subject to change.(06) 370 0070wbs.net.nz125 Queen Street, MastertonNeed an electrician?• maintenance • renovations • new buildsaandkplumbing.co.nz0800 473 583

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS34 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026GREYTOWN KINDERGARTENWomen’s self-defence course raises vital funding for KindyRecently 18 women came together to take part in a fourweek women’s self-defence course run by our wonderful kindergarten volunteer, Stuart Burns as a fundraiser for Greytown Kindergarten.Over four weeks, the women learnt a variety of self-defence techniques while having lots of fun together. One of the key concepts taught was the OODA technique – Observe, Orient, Decide, Act – helping participants become more aware of situations and how to respond safely.The funds raised went towards purchasing new resources for the Kindergarten, including a numeracy resource that makes learning maths fun and engaging for our tamariki, as well as a teacher resources book with creative ideas for including physical education in everyday learning.Greytown Kindergarten would like to sincerely thank Stuart and his dad Dennis for generously giving their time and sharing their self-defence knowledge with us. A big thank you also to Ashleigh for her amazing weekly baking, and to the wonderful women who attended and supported this fundraiser. If you would like to find out more about Stuart’s self-defence classes, please contact Greytown Kindergarten 06 304 9381.If you think your organisation or business could benefit from a workshop like this, we encourage you to get in touch.ARATOIExhibitionsAn iwi led exhibition, entitled Tino Rangitānetanga is on display in the Main Gallery at Aratoi until July 2026. This show is an expression of identity, belonging and continuity. Presented by Rangitāne o Wairarapa, this exhibition honours their whakapapa, their whenua, and the enduring presence of their people across generations. Through ancestral narratives, precolonial landscape mapping, and treasured taonga, the exhibition offers space to reflect on who Rangitāne are and where they come from. The story of Kurahaupō waka anchors the journey, connecting past to present and contemporary Māori artistry. Taonga drawn from national collections sit alongside works held within Aratoi and their own whānau, creating a quiet weaving of memory and connection. Te Waka Wairua o Kurahaupō is in the Aratoi courtyard for the duration of the exhibition.The Kurahaupō canoe was one of the original migration canoes from Hawaiki in East Polynesia to Aotearoa. It completed its journey at Nukutaurua, on the Māhia Pensinula, where it is preserved as a reef. Whātonga was the commander of the Kurahaupō canoe and his grandson was Rangitāne, the eponymous ancester of the Rangitāne tribe. The Rangitāne tribe occupied Wairarapa and neighbouring districts and came to share this area with closely related people from Ngāti Kahungunu who migrated to Wairarapa several generations afterwards. As part of the 1990 Waitangi celebrations, a new waka was constructed and named Kurahaupō by tribes who descended from the original canoe, including Rangitāne. It is this Kurahaupō canoe that is on display here. Tino Rangitānetanga and Te Waka Wairua o Kurahaupō are on display until 19 July.Te Waka Wairua o Kurahaupō on display at Aratoi

SPORTThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 35The Martinborough Golf Course is once again casting a spotlight on Greytown with the second year of The Grand Golf Day – made possible by our strong partnership with Greytown Orchards Retirement Living (also home to a few of our members).This family focused day of golf celebrates grandparents and has a special category for “Inter-generational Pairs”.“The Best Grandma and Best Grandpa are rewarded a beautiful walking stick trophy each (won by the best members) and Dixon Opie has done a sterling job of sourcing a range of Greytown produced prizes.” says committee member Emily Loughnan.“Last year, the best Grandpa was won by Barry Johnson (now a resident at Greytown Orchards Retirement Living), so it was nice to see the trophy head that way. Our Greytown members are special contributors to the club and we love how Greytown Orchards Retirement Living has come on board as an enthusiastic partner. They’re bringing a bus load over to watch the competition and enjoy lunch at the glorious clubrooms in the park-like setting – so that’s a lovely bonus”.There’s also prizes for Best Junior and the person who can get the closest to shooting their age will be awarded the memorial Bill Jones “Shoot Your Age” trophy donated by his family (Bill Jones managed to do this 347 times between the age of 72 and 86 – basically achieving this feat, on average, once a fortnight – impressive!).“This is a very special day, and last year we had grandparents simply coming out to watch their family members compete – we hope for another good turnout this year.”The competition is on the Sunday of Anzac weekend, 26 April, and enquiries can be made to [email protected]. Everyone is welcome to come, watch or participate.MARTINBOROUGH GOLF CLUBThe Grand Golf DayLast year’s “Best Grandpa”, Barry Johnson (right), receiving his trophy from Dixon OpieThe season came to a close at the end of March with some significant achievements especially from our junior members. Greytown had three teams in the Wairarapa Junior Interclub competition. The Greytown 1 team won the Grade 2 competition. Greytown 2 also won the Grade 4 competition going through the season unbeaten, and the Greytown 3 team came third in theirs. Congratulations to Annabel Norman who won the “Most Improved Player” cup for Greytown Juniors.Coach Marco De Groot has obviously done a great job with the coaching. We are getting big numbers turning up on Wednesday afternoons. Thanks also to the team managers for organising our junior teams.With the help from the Greytown Lands Trust grant we were able to purchase uniforms for the junior team players. Thanks to Kate Lovegrove for organising this.The Tuesday night Community Competition finished up after another successful season.Vanessa Murrell’s team “Get a Grip” finished up on top, playing last year’s winner “Breaking Bad” in the final. In the other grade Dave Finaly’s team “Surf the Net” won over “Faulty Towers”. Thanks to Fresh Choice for donating prizes for our prizegiving night.Our mid-week Tennis numbers have grown with a number of new players turning up. This will continue on Mondays and Fridays throughout the winter period.We will be sending out a survey this month. The committee is keen to hear what else we can offer members. Please look out for it. We would like your feedback.The courts are looking great thanks largely to Colin Weston who continues to spend huge amounts of time and energy on its upkeep. The courts are available throughout the rest of the year with the new season starting in October.Neil Preston, Club PresidentGreytown 2. L-R: Baxter Holter; Joshua Maher, Cooper Whitby-Ramsden and Marco StratmoreGreytown Tennis Club1905Greytown Tennis Club end of season wrap up1.Bigwigs, 2.Hīkoi, 8.Sharp-eared imp, 9.Red, Across: 10.Delicious,12.Āwhina, 13.Silage, 15.Falsework, 16.Oil, Frau, 20.Tango, 21.Dispels 18.Irritable1.Baser, 2.Grandchildren, 3.Impudence, 4.Stable, 5.Hoe, Down: 6.Kaikomako Tree, 7.Impasse, 11.Chickpeas, 12.Afflict, 14.Morbid, Crossword Solution 17.Louts, 19.Two

SPORT36 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026On Saturday 28 March, 60 Greytown JAB players and their families made the trip over the hill to watch the Hurricanes play the Reds in Wellington. All players who were eight years old and over had the privilege of being the guard of honour flag bearers as the players from both teams ran out of the tunnel. At the end of the game, everyone made their way out onto the field to mix and mingle with their favourite players, a great opportunity to meet their role models and get some signatures. It was a special day for all involved and memories the kids (and adults) will cherish forever.There is still a few more days to register your child for the upcoming season. If you would like to register your child, please email [email protected]. You can also find more details about our club on our Facebook page – Greytown Rugby Club.For signing up, use the QR code below. Parents will need to create an account of their own, and then they can sign up their child under their account. If you were signed up last year, the system will recognise the details, so just select the childs profile and carry on. Those who sign up and pay will also receive a Greytown Rugby club hoodie. Fees can be paid on registration via Rugby Xplorer. Payment options can be made for families struggling financially, just email us to set up a payment plan.Any further enquiries, please contact Steve Bartlett on 021 308 484.Greytown Junior Rugby GREYTOWN TRAILS TRUSTANNUAL GENERAL MEETING7:30pm, Tuesday 12 May 2026 Greytown Town HallWe will start with the formal meeting including the election of new trustees (nominations must be received 24 hours prior to the AGM)Followed by: SPEAKER – Fran Wilde, Mayor, South Wairarapaand a presentation by Dan Crocker about the design of the proposed Waiohine bridge Any communication to Margaret Cole 021 0275 5241 or email: [email protected] SPACE FOR RENT Main Street GreytownA well-positioned, large office space is now available for rent on Greytown’s Main Street:• centrally located• separate large office• access to shared kitchen facilities• shared meeting room• bathroom amenities with shower• available from 1 JulyFor enquiries or to arrange a viewing, please contact Rachael on 0272 612 998 or email [email protected]

SPORTThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 37As the bowling season begins to wind down the Bowls Wairarapa Champion of Champions titles are the focus of many bowlers who have won their clubs championship events. On Saturday 28 March, both the Clubs Men’s Fours and triples were contested at Masterton Bowling Club. Greytown Men’s Fours were unsuccessful, going down to Featherston Club, who went on to win the Wairarapa Centre title. The Men’s Triples were played the next day Sunday 29 March and the Greytown team were able to progress in the competition, however the Martinborough Men’s Triples Team were the eventual winners. On 18 and 19 April the focus is on both the Champion of Champions Title for the Pairs and Singles events, for both Men and Women. Greytown is to be represented by Evelyn Bull and Therese Meyrick playing in the pairs, and Peter Ireland and Darren Meyrick in the Men’s event. Pauline Brooks and Keith Graham will contest the singles Champion of Champions title for the Wairarapa Centre. Wishing the players all the best towards victory.Two very successful bowling events have been held at the Greytown Bowling Club over the past few months. The Business House commenced late in January and was played over a series of weeks, finishing on 19 March with the prizegiving for both the Top Section and Plate Section Teams. The final night was kindly sponsored by H & M Electrical, providing the players and volunteers involved with celebratory cooked meats from Greytown Butchery along with salads and buns by the Bowling Club. Many thanks to Hamish for this sponsorship. Additionally, the final night’s theme was “Undies Over the Top” adding to the celebrations for all those involved. This bowling tournament continues to be an annual event that is well supported by local businesses, their staff and the community. The iconic Fruit Bowl Tournament was held over two days on 21 and 22 March. This continues to be an event contested by many players both from outside the region and local clubs in the Wairarapa region. Eventual winners were the Greytown Team of Darren Meyrick, Dean Hands and Peter Ireland. Congratulations to the three of you, well done. Prizes for this event are kindly donated by local businesses which is always greatly appreciated by the club for their generosity and support. Apples are also kindly donated by J R Orchards Ltd as part of the fruit bowl theme. The Greytown Bowling Club thanks you all for your contributions and in helping this tournament to be the great success it continues to be.On a sad note, the Board of the Greytown Club have had to withdraw from the planned event High Balls and High Teas event as part of the Greytown International Cocktail Festival held during March and April. This was necessary due to an error in advertising and, when factoring in the workload and current volunteer capacity for running the event, it was decided not to go ahead.It was with great sadness that Greytown Bowling Club had to farewell our long serving secretary, bowler and barman extraordinaire, Pat Herbert who passed away in late February. A celebration of Pat’s life was held in Carterton followed by afternoon tea at the Bowling Club after his service. Pat will be sadly missed at the club with his experience and knowledge as secretary, as well as his wonderful sense of humour. Rest in Peace Pat.Pauline Brooks, GBC SecretaryGreytown Bowling ClubReader PhotosHunting through a box of old Christmas decorations, this newspaper page from the “Evening Post” was lining the bottom of the box. Dated March 1996, it is filled to the brim with job advertisements, many of which have their salary listed – how times have changed! Supplied by Christine. If you have a photo you would like to see published in the Greytown Grapevine, email [email protected] along with a brief description and the photographer’s name. Put “Reader Photo” in the subject line.• Family dining: Wed – Fri – Sat – Sun evenings• TAB facilities• Wednesday night Membership cash draw• Wednesday and Friday night raffles• BIG screen TVs for all that Sky sport• Reduced membership rates for over 60s• Reduced membership rates for 18 to 24-year-olds• Two full-size Snooker tables• Three Pool tables• Ten Dart boards• Education and Welfare Trust to help out financially• Reciprocal visiting rights to over 300 clubs in NZ• Reciprocal visiting rights to Queensland and Western Australia clubs• Modern bar facilities• Very friendly atmosphere!• Live entertainmentMembers, affiliated members and guests welcome120 Main Street, Greytown06 304 9448 | [email protected]“Your comfort and enjoyment is the goal of our team.”Join the club and enjoy:Workingmen’s ClubSouth Wairarapa

NOTICES38 The Greytown Grapevine APRIL 2026Crossword Noticeboard1 2 3 4 5 6 789 10 1112 131415 16 1718 1920 21APRIL CROSSWORDCrossword kindly supplied by Ruth O’Brien. Ruth is keen to receive any feedback you may have about the crossword content, so please email [email protected] with your comments. Solution: See page 35Across 1. Important people (7) 5. March, walk (Te Reo) (5) 8. Mischievous child with excellent hearing (5-5, 3) 9 & 10ac. Name of new gallery in town (3, 9) 12. Help, support (Te Reo) (6) 13. High moisture fermented fodder for ruminants (6) 15. One of two terms for: temporary structural support system (constr.) (9) 16. Valuable, viscous, flammable, hydrocarbonic liquid (3) 18. Crotchety German woman (9, 4) 20. South American dance (5) 21. Eliminates (eg doubts, feelings, misconceptions) (7) Down 1. More dishonourable or morally reprehensible (5) 2. Descendants, mokopuna (13) 3. Impertinence, bold disrespect (9) 4. New Greytown countryside café (6) 5. Garden implement (3) 6. Plant loved by NZ bellbird for its seasonal berries (9, 4) 7. Stalemate (7) 11. Garbanzo beans (9) 12. Cause pain or suffering (7) 14. Unusually preoccupied by death & decay (6) 17. Ill-behaved youths (5) 19. Cardinal number (3)Lions Helping HandOlder or disabled people needing help with simple tasks like stacking firewood, minor repairs (including bikes) and essentiallocal transport, may ring Ian Frowde on 304 7127.Donation welcome but not required.Garden productsOrder sheep manure, sawdust,lime and kindling at theStihl Shop 246 Main Street,or contact 021 226 2002or [email protected] or help LionsOur motto is ‘Serve the community and have fun!‛ We meet twice a month. To join us or help with a Lions project,contact Barry Knight 027 484 2406or [email protected] groups raise funds by raffling Lions firewood. Ask us!Lions wheelchairFor visitors to our town. Kept at South Wairarapa Workingmen‛s Club, 120 Main Street — ask at the bar.Greytown LionsLions walkway andhistoric wire shedLions built and maintain thewalkway that linksKuratawhiti and Udy Streets.Lions Reading HelpCommunity volunteers helpGreytown School childrenwith their reading.Learn ‘n Live CampsEach year Lions sponsor tenGreytown children to attend these life-changing camps at Riversdale.Lions book sale in the Town Centre,once a year.

NOTICESThe Greytown Grapevine APRIL ‑2026 39NoticeboardFrom the EditorWe receive many wonderful and interesting stories and photos for publishing in the Greytown Grapevine every month. When you supply your stories and accompanying photos, please include a brief, detailed caption describing your photo. If they contain people, include their names (left to right if more than one), so readers aren’t left wondering who these people are (as we often don’t know either!), and makes for a much more understandable and interesting read. Thanks. Ed.BUILDERSImagreat Builder Ltdphone: ......................................................................................................email: ......................................................................................................website:.....................................................................................................We are looking to publish a regular column each month listing local tradies to encourage people to “support local” – trusted services you can call on – plumbers, electricians, builders, etc – listing only essential contact information.If you’re a tradie and keen to have your service listed, please email [email protected] for more details.directoryTRADE(Example)Greytown Community Playgroup Greytown Community Playgroup runs every Monday during school term time, 9.30-11.30am. We have lots of friendly faces and morning tea and drinks provided for the adults. Come say hello at 12 McMaster Street, Greytown.Wairarapa Model Railway Club Wairarapa Model Railway Club, meetings first and third Thursday of the month, 7:15-9:30 pm, contact Peter Murray 027 630 1780.Greytown SongstersWe are an informal choir that meets every Wednesday during the school terms. There is no audition and the ability to read music is not essential. The emphasis is on having fun singing together. We welcome new members.Please email me on [email protected] for details.Wendy, Treasurer, Greytown SongstersSouth Wairarapa Workingmens’ Club – Card Club1pm, every Tuesday, new players very welcome. $1 per person. Laughter and enjoyment FREE!Come along and meet us. Easy cards, including Phase 10, Five Crowns, Pony Canaster, 500 and Poker – your choice.Bridge is available too, so just drop in, or phone O27 466 7524 for more information. Everyone welcome.FREE Wooden Pallets up for grabs Wooden pallets available from Lamb-Peters Print2477 State Highway 2, Ahikouka, GreytownCome in and see us first, phone 06 304 9245 The Greytown RSA Committee will conduct a public Commemoration Service at theWWII Memorial, Kuratawhiti Street,at 10.30 am on ANZAC Day, 25 April.This will be followed by a short civic service at the South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club.ANZAC DAY 2026COMMEMORATIONMasterton Returned & Services Association (Inc)Greytown BranchVehicle Storage Vehicle storage with high stud area available, Tauherenikau, Pine Terry 027 486 2862. only$19per monthWaiohine River PlantingsWorking Bee Sunday 3 May, 9am • Meet at The Wire shed. • This will include some weeding and planting of trees.• This area is managed by volunteers, and we need some more!We look forward to meeting new and current volunteers on the day, or if you can’t attend but are happy to help out throughout the year, please contact Ian 021 189 3862.

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