Greytown Grapevine March 2025

Studio 73 upgrade project gets support Phil Holden (left), Chair, Greytown Lands Trust and John Gilberthorpe, President, Greytown Little Theatre, onsite checking out the plans for the Studio 73 upgrade Greytown Lands Trust recently made a significant commitment of a $25,000 grant to support Greytown Little Theatre’s Studio 73 Upgrade Project. Phil Holden, Chair of Greytown Lands Trust said, “We are delighted to support this fantastic community project, which has received strong support from both local residents and those further afield. We also acknowledge and appreciate the countless volunteer hours and the many unbilled services contributed by dedicated individuals to date”. John Gilberthorpe, Greytown Little Theatre President said “We are very appreciative of this support as it gave us confidence to commit to the project.” ... continued page 3 • Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair • Ten days of Ginspired shenanigans • Greytown to host Wairarapa Balloon Festival • Fundraiser for a great cause • Hospice charity auction Inside this month: MARCH 2025 Discover our everyday best prices! Carpet IN STOCK from $27sqm Sheet Vinyl 2m wide from $27sqm ASK US FOR A FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE Interest free* 30 Months

2 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 As I write this most of us have probably read about the problems with Wellington Water Limited (WWL). WWL was started in 2014 by the four Wellington City Councils, plus the Greater Wellington Regional Council, to provide water services to the four city councils. This would have made sense at the time since all four councils share a connected water supply and have connected waste-water systems. The regional council was there because it owned that water supply, as well as storage and treatment facilities. In 2019, the South Wairarapa District Council voted to join WWL as a shareholder and to become a client of its water management services. One of the existing shareholding councillors told me (many years after) that no-one could work out why the SWDC wanted to join up as we were a small rural council, and we had none of the network and interlinking issues that caused the four city councils to want to act in concert. We were the odd one out. By the time I became Mayor it was obvious that the 2019 decision had turned into an expensive miscalculation. Most, if not all, activities that WWL operated were costing more, often much more, than they had prior to 2019. I also discovered early on that WWL had no way of assuring its shareholding councils that it was doing an effective job. For most companies, shareholders have two ways to judge performance. Does it pay a decent dividend and/or what is the resale value of its shares on the stock exchange? WWL did not pay a dividend, and its shares were not bought and sold. So how to judge the worth of such a company? Several times I proposed a benchmarking exercise to find out how WWL costs compared to the costs paid by other councils. Senior management from WWL said it could not be done. But it could be done, and an infrastructure company called AECOM has just done it. AECOM found that WWL was charging councils three times more for repairs and maintenance of water pipes than other water services companies. The money was not ending up in the bank account of WWL, rather it was going to the infrastructure companies that subcontracted to WWL. Basically, WWL had relationships with these contractors that was too cosy, lacked good competitive tendering practices, and restricted who could do work on behalf of shareholding councils. When I heard about these practices my first thought was that the Commerce Commission would surely take an interest. A day later the Commerce Commission announced it was launching an investigation into how WWL hired contractors and consultants, focusing on whether the procurement processes resulted in anticompetitive behaviour. By the time you read this article, you will have also had the chance to express a view about the future delivery of water services in this district. The current government requires us to do things differently. We have considered a range of alternatives that meet the government’s requirements, and we are giving you two options. One is to stay with WWL, the other is to form a new Water Services Company with the other two Wairarapa councils and the Tararua Council. Some good news regarding water, the drought has just broken, and our gardens no longer look so thirsty. I have been on holiday, but I am told that during one particularly hot day when I was away, the fire siren went off 19 times. Can I express a special “thank you” to our volunteer fire crews. You people do a wonderful job, we are so fortunate to have public-minded citizens like you living among us. Martin Connelly Circulation rural & urban Greytown: 2,200 Deadlines: Editorial & Advertising: 10th of the month Delivered by: 20th of the month* Letters to Editor: 300 word maximum No Grapevine in January Editorial & Advertising: [email protected] Deliveries: (06) 304 9245 195mm wide x 280mm deep FULL PAGE 195mm wide x 135mm deep 1/2 PAGE 95mm wide x 135mm deep 1/4 PAGE 95mm wide x 65mm deep 1/8 PAGE 195mm wide x 75mm deep BANNER Please state size and colour of your ad when booking. Files must be 300dpi PDF or JPEG at exact measurements Advertising Prices (GST exclusive) Colour Black & White Full page $400 $200 1/2 page $230 $95 1/4 page $170 $45 1/8 page $79 $29 Banner $220 $90 *rural delivery closest Wednesday following Email: [email protected] Please support our advertisers We 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. From your Mayor A&K Plumbing, Electrical & Drainage 24 CB Contracting 8 Climb & Cut Tree Services 25 Country Village Heaven Hootenanny 4 D B Osborne 7 Devoted 6 Featherston Community Centre 8 Five Rivers Medical 22 Flair Flooring 1 Formed by Hand 20 Gillian Jones 8 GKM Property Services 26 Greytown Country Market 7 Greytown Croquet Club 31 Greytown Lions 30 Greytown Massage Therapy 7 Greytown Medical Centre 23 Greytown Orchards 6 Greytown Pilates 8 Greytown RSA 19 Harrisons Carpet & Flooring 14 Healthfit 32 Helloworld 5 Hire and Heat Shop 26 HM Electrical 13 Hub Legal 3 John Langford Law 9 Liz Dixon Counsellor 9 Mitre10 Martinborough 21 No Mean Feet 19 Oriental Carpets 12 Park Run 31 Pet & House Sitting 31 Richmond Funeral Home 12 Siteworx 20 South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club 27 Stihl Shop Greytown 15 Tauherenikau Friendship Club 27 Teepee Cider 24 Ticehurst Building 14 Wairarapa Electrical & Appliances 11 WBS 25 WCM Legal 13 Wild Islands Landscapes 27 Page Page

WHAT’S NEW The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 3 ... from page 1 Greytown Lands Trust make significant commitment He said “The upgrade has been dependent on fundraising and the good news is we have almost reached our target of around $500,000 thanks to very significant donations through our Donor Programme. We have also had donations from community organisations, user groups and grants from the SWDC Wellbeing Fund, Trust House Foundation, Eastern & Central Community Trust, Greytown Community Board, and WBS”. Mr Gilberthorpe said. “A recent grant of $3,000 from the Rotary Club of South Wairarapa will prove invaluable and is much appreciated”. The project will take about six months to complete and includes; • Seismically strengthening the existing studio and this will entail gutting the interior to complete this work. • The building will be relined as part of the strengthening, and insulated. • A 97m² extension will be built and this will house new toilets, kitchenette, backstage area for theatre needs and a small foyer space. • The new entrance will be by a short walkway located adjacent to existing studio and Council toilet facilities. • There will be no fixed seating. • There will be little change to the exterior of the existing Studio. The contractor, Rigg Zschokke Ltd, is now onsite undertaking preliminary work. John Gilberthorpe, President, Greytown Little Theatre 0274 586 126 | [email protected] As autumn arrives with cooler days and golden light, it’s the ideal time to refresh your garden and get plants in the ground for a strong start next spring. The Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair, to be held on Sunday, 30 March 2025, from 9am to 3pm (rain or shine), offers a unique opportunity for plant lovers – with quality plants for sale, expert advice, and the chance to explore two distinct gardens. Hosted by Longbush Cottage, a modern cottage garden, and Parkvale Gardens, known for its wild, naturalistic plantings, the fair brings together specialist growers with carefully curated plant collections, including rare and locally suited varieties not often found in garden centres. While both gardens share the same climate, they showcase different styles and plant palettes, offering inspiration and the chance to purchase plants that reflect each approach. “Autumn is the best season to plant – warm soil and cooler air give young plants a head start before next spring,” says Danny Todd of Parkvale Gardens. “Visitors will find plants suited to their situation and get tips on how to grow them successfully.” Visitors can chat with expert growers and horticulturists, including local nursery owners and plant specialists who are passionate about what they grow. With a diverse range of growers attending, there will be something special for every garden. Beyond the plants, the fair offers a chance to experience two beautiful gardens, enjoy great food, and sip a coffee in a relaxed setting. Each garden has its own unique atmosphere, with new plantings to explore in both gardens. This year, Longbush Cottage introduces the newly installed LAMS glasshouses and the Emporium onsite, adding exciting new features for visitors to discover. LAMS glasshouses are renowned for their French craftsmanship and timeless design. Offering a wide range of custom-built glasshouses, they bring elegance and functionality to outdoor spaces, making them ideal for gardeners looking to enjoy their gardens year-round. Set in the picturesque rural landscape of the Wairarapa, Parkvale Gardens lies just east of Carterton, while Longbush Cottage is nestled in a valley further east. With only 15 minutes between them, visitors can easily explore both gardens in a day, making for a fantastic outing for plant enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. Tickets are $20 per person, with free parking available on-site at both gardens. Please note that dogs are not permitted at the event. Gather your gardening besties and make a day of it. Tickets available at www.autumnplantfair.nz Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair: the perfect event for plant lovers Plant-lovers enjoy the nursery at Parkvale Gardens during last year’s autumn plant fair. Photo Lucia Zanmonti

4 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025

WHAT’S NEW The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 5 Polish your monocles, dust off your finest attire, and prepare your refined palates – Greytown’s most jubilant juniper jaunt is almost here! From 17-27 April, Greytown will transform into a gin-lover’s paradise with the Greytown Gin Hootenanny – an array of delightfully quirky cocktail celebrations over ten glorious days. There’s something for everyone, from exclusive tastings and dinners to pop-up events and garden parties. Highlights include: • The Delightfully Curious Gin Mingle – Thursday 17 April: cocktails, live music, G&Ts and freshly shucked oysters in The White Swan Garden Bar. • The Royal Bathtub Jenever at Brac & Bow – Friday 18 April: a unique gin dining experience that explores the spirit’s rich history. Four delicious courses with matching gin cocktails • The Blackwell and Sons National Tweed Meander – Saturday 19 April: A new spin on the popular Tweed Ride, the meander is a selfpaced bicycle ride, with gin tastings, lawn games, music, hilarity and lashings of old-world charm. • The Cobblestones Gin & Jive – Saturday 19 April: Sip refreshing Gin & Tonics, grab a bite to eat, and soak up the smooth sounds of Uncle Monkey’s Carl Webley. Dress up in your finest tweed for prizes. • The White Swan Great Tweed Gin Dinner – Saturday 19 April: A lavish affair where fine dining meets spirited revelry. Hosted by the hilarious Former Rear Admiral Reginald PashleyDistiller, your dinner, gin matches, and the honour of being rudely insulted is all-inclusive in your ticket. • The Shadow Gallery Hootenanny Flash Fling – Saturday 19 April: embrace the spontaneity and style, get inked up and score a killer flash tattoo in this one-day-only event. • In Good Spirits at Aperitif – Thursday 24 April: an evening of elegance, indulgence, and expertly crafted flavours. A fourcourse degustation with optional gin pairing, designed to delight the senses. • Gin-spired Botanical Watercolour – Thursday 24 April: a unique watercolour workshop where you can sip and paint in the stunning surrounds of Greytown Art Gallery. No experience needed – just bring your love of gin and creativity! • The White Swan Hotel Bootleggers’ Car Run – Saturday 26 April: a fun, gin-fuelled scavenger hunt across Wairarapa, where participants will uncover hidden treasures and secret bars while embracing the spirit of the prohibition era. There will also be a Gin Passport, where you can collect stamps for every gin, cocktail, or event that’s part of the programme, and go in the draw for prizes. Adam Blackwell from Greytown Distilling Co says, “As local gin-makers, we’re thrilled to help put Greytown on the map as a must-visit destination for gin enthusiasts. With the Hootenanny spanning both the Easter and Anzac long weekends, it’s the perfect opportunity for visitors from near and far to spend a few days with us and fully immerse themselves in the fun and festivities.” Event organisers are inviting everyone to dress in their finest tweed, pearls and cheese cutters and get ready to sip, savour, and celebrate. For event details and tickets, visit www.greytownvillage.com Helloworld 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 2454 Mobile: 027 240 3711 Email: [email protected] VISIT US! HELLOWORLD TRAVEL GREYTOWN POP-UP STORE Greytown gears up for ten days of Gin-spired shenanigans

WHAT’S NEW 6 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 When it’s time, we can help. www.devoted.co.nz • Compassionate home visits by an experienced veterinarian for your pets end of life • Wairarapa based private pet cremation • Personal service with a focus on dignity and respect Phone Adrian on 021 336 301 or visit our website below for more information. PET END-OF-LIFE SERVICES. Greytown to host Wairarapa Balloon Festival Greytown is set to shine this Easter with the return of the Wairarapa Balloon Festival from 17–21 April, featuring a special morning lift-off right here in Greytown on Saturday 19 April. Early risers will be treated to stunning views as vibrant hot air balloons set off from Soldiers Memorial Park in Kuratawhiti Street at approximately 7am. The highlight of the festival will be the Family Carnival at Solway Showgrounds, starting at 3pm on Saturday 19 April, which promises an afternoon and evening of fun for all ages. Enjoy balloon walk-throughs, face painting, balloon twisting, a Ferris Wheel, merry-goround, live music from The Noodles, an Easter egg hunt, and mouthwatering street food. Event Director Jennifer Anderson says, “We’re thrilled to bring the morning ascension back to Greytown, and looking forward to welcoming locals to enjoy both the ascension and the Family Carnival. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy the local sights, and have some fun right in our own backyard.” Family Carnival tickets are available now at $70 for a family pass (two adults and up to three children, plus booking fees). Kids under five enter free. There is also a colouring competition on now, giving children the chance to win a family pass. Competition sheets can be collected from Fresh Choice Greytown, with entries closing on 10 April 2025. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.nzballoons.co.nz Get ready for a night of trivia, music, and incredible prizes as the Arts & Airwaves Quiz Night and Silent Auction takes over Wairarapa College Hall on Thursday, 10 April. This exciting fundraising event brings together some of Wairarapa’s most vibrant arts and media groups for an evening of entertainment — all in support of four vital local organisations: Arrow FM, Film Talks, King Street Artworks, and Wairarapa Word. Hosted by the ever-entertaining Quizmaster Coggie, the quiz promises to challenge and amuse teams with a mix of general knowledge, pop culture, and fun surprises. Between rounds, enjoy live music from Parky & Son, test your luck in our raffle, and bid on stunning artwork and special taonga in the silent auction. A cash bar and free finger food will keep everyone fuelled for the fun! The Arts & Airwaves Quiz Night supports organisations that make a real impact in our community. Arrow FM provides essential access broadcasting for Wairarapa’s diverse voices; Film Talks brings cinema and conversation to local audiences; King Street Artworks fosters creativity for mental health and well-being; and Wairarapa Word showcases and supports writers from across New Zealand. Gather your dream team (four people per table) and secure your spot for just $80 per table. Spaces are filling fast, so book now! Email [email protected] to reserve your table and get payment details. Doors open at 6:30pm, quiz starts at 7pm. Don’t miss this unforgettable night — come for the quiz, stay for the fun, and support the arts in Wairarapa! Fundraiser for a great cause

WHAT’S NEW The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 7 Event organisers are buzzing with excitement over securing an impressive golfing experience to be auctioned off on the day at the Fall Protect Scaffolding Hospice Wairarapa Golf Day on Friday 21 March at Carterton Golf Club. The experience, a prestigious golfing weekend in the Hawke’s Bay for four people, including green fees at the renowned Cape Kidnappers Golf course, accommodation and wine tasting at the luxurious Craggy Range Winery, and arriving in style driving the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, is valued at over $4,000, with all proceeds going to Hospice Wairarapa. With the green fees kindly donated by Cape Kidnappers, the team at Hospice Wairarapa hoped that organising an exclusive golfing package would create an opportunity for golfers to experience the ultimate golfing weekend, while raising as much as possible at auction. However, they were stunned when local Wairarapa business TRC Toyota offered support to bring it all to fruition. Event coordinator Shelley Johnson says, “With years of experience supporting Hospice here in the Wairarapa and Manawatu we approached Serin and the team at TRC for ideas on pulling off a great event. What we weren’t expecting was their idea to supply a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for the Hawke’s Bay golf weekend, and then, the very generous offer to sponsor the accommodation as well!” TRC Toyota Masterton Branch Manager, Serin Edwards, explains why supporting Hospice Wairarapa is important for the TRC team. “We regularly support Hospice Wairarapa and have a great relationship with their team. They work hard to provide much needed services for palliative patients, their family and carers, so when an opportunity arises to help out, we will. “The Golf Day is a great way to get involved; it’s always a fun day out on the course and raising money at the charity auction plays a big part in the success of the day. We are chuffed that we can add value to it this year.” Hospice Wairarapa Chief Executive Gretchen Saulbrey was thrilled and explains how meaningful the support from Wairarapa businesses is to the functioning of the organisation’s services. “The support from Serin and the team at TRC Toyota is invaluable. Their contribution to this year’s Golf Day means we’ll have a real chance of raising some serious money. Local businesses here in the Wairarapa do so much, we understand how often they get asked to support their community, so being able to sponsor our major auction item shows how community minded TRC Toyota are.” Not only will golfers who attend the event be able to bid on the golfing experience, but they’ll have a chance to experience what it’s like to slip on the famous Masters blazer. For the first time, the winning team will each be presented the “Hospice Golf Day Champion” blazer. Shelley says adding in extra fun experiences to the day sets the Hospice Wairarapa Golf Day apart. The Fall Protect Hospice Wairarapa Golf Day at Carterton Golf Club is a major fundraiser for Hospice Wairarapa. Limited team spots are still available online. Visit www.hospicewairarapa.co.nz/events to find out more, register a team or enquire about donating a prize or auction item. Prestigious Hawke’s Bay Golf Package set to soar at Hospice charity auction DALE KNAPP 027 457 4916 [email protected] Open Sunday to Friday inc. 65 West Street (behind the Hub in Greytown) Booking new clients now New clinic open in Greytown Dale has over 23 years experience in therapeutic Massage and used to work as a qualified Les Mills personal trainer. She has clinics in Wellington and Greytown. • Pain relief • Restorative health and recovery from injuries • Relaxation, stretching and flexibility • Providing massage alongside your Physio, Chiropractic or Osteopath treatments. Greytown Massage T erapy Dale assists clients in their health goals with: Serin Edwards, Branch Manager and team from TRC Toyota Masterton. Photo supplied. The Greytown Country Market is pleased to be back for the 2024-2025 summer starting Sunday 20 October 2024. Our regular stallholders are ready and we have many new sellers as well. All profits from running the Markets go to the Greytown Trails Trust for maintenance and future projects on the Greytown Rail Trail. Third Sunday of each month at Stella Bull Park, Greytown October to March, 10am-2pm – plus Easter Saturday 19 April 2025 VINTAGE • HOME • GARDEN • COFFEE • FOOD • MUSIC • ART • COLLECTED • PRODUCED • PICKED • MADE • FOUND For enquiries contact: Lois Pitt or Ted Ward 027 358 1459 or 027 4437882 | [email protected] D.B. OSBORNE C H A R T E R E D A C C O U N T A N T S L I M ITE D G R O W WIT H U S P 06 304 8550 E [email protected] 124 Main Street, Greytown 5712 www.dbosborne.co.nz

8 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 63 Main Street Greytown [email protected] 027 270 8122 | 06 370 2336 Enquiries welcome! GREYTOWNPilates “A great habit” 9am 10am 11am 6pm Tue Thu Sat Strength & Flexibility Strength & Flexibility Core Focused Restorative Flow Core Focused Lengthen & Strengthen $20/class – $145/10 class ticket. Mats and equipment supplied. Contact me on 027 440 3764 or [email protected] to discuss your needs Experienced Career Transition Coach Gillian Jones Workshops and 1x1 coaching offered in Wairarapa • Impacted by redundancy – or just time for a change? • Considering phasing into a purposeful retirement in the next few years? • What does ‘next’ look like for you and how will you achieve that? • Leading your team through change and want to manage it well? Never Stop Evolving! www.gillianjonesconsulting.com Wednesday 9– 1pm B4 School Checks 26th & 16th 10.30 – Noon Wisdom and Wellbeing 11 – 1pm Age Concern 26th 1.30 – 3pm Ukulele Group 3 – 4.30 Jellybean Adventures 9th 6 – 8pm REAP Te Reo Class 7 - 10pm Featherston Community Board 9th Tuesday 9 – Noon Mayor Drop in 1st & 15th 11 – 3pm Community Law 8th 6 – 7pm Community Patrol AGM 8th 7 – 8pm Al-Anon Meeting 1st & 15th 7 – 8.30pm Wāhine Singers Friday 10 – Noon Featherston Knitters and Crafters 10 – 3pm MP for Wairarapa Drop in 21st & 18th 3 - 5pm Kids Craft Club 4 – 6pm Kai & Connection 11th Saturday 9 – 10am Feldenkrais 10 – Noon Toy Library March/April Timetable Community Centre and Support Hub 14 Wakefield Street, Featherston [email protected] Monday Noon - 1 pm Feldenkrais 1 – 4pm Mah Jong 1 –4pm Cards Group 1- 6pm Decoupage Class 6.30 – 9.30pm Scrabble Club Thursday Morning 9 – 1pm Ears to You 27th 9 – 1pm IRD Mobile Office 20th 9 – Noon Youth to Work 9 – 3pm BFC –Budgeting Advice 10 – Noon Cancer Support Group 10th 10 – Noon APM Workcare 20th & 3rd 11 – Noon Chair Exercise Class Casual venue hire available. Mental Health & Addiction Services available (times not advertised). Thursday Afternoon 1.30 – 3.30 pm Digital Seniors 3– 5pm Chess Club/Games 27th & 10th 6.30 – 7.30pm Belly Dance for Beginners 7 – 8pm SW Labour Party 6th 7.30 – 8.30pm Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday 8.30 – 5pm First Aid Course 1 – 5pm Board Group 16th 6th & 20th 7 – 9pm Narcotics Anonymous

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 9 • Children • Adolescents • Adults • Couples www.lizdixoncounselling.com e: [email protected] m: 027 494 8475 face-to-face, on-line and phone sessions available. • Qualified and experienced • Safe supportive environment • Confidentiality assured John LangfordLL.M LAWYER - Greytown With a thriving practice in Wellington, John is a long-time Greytown resident with over 50 years’ legal experience. He can assist you with: • Conveyancing & Property • Dispute resolution • Estate planning • Litigation & Trusts • Relationship & Employment disputes Contact John: 027 243 2373 [email protected] www.langfordlaw.co.nz FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION * * * * * * For a free no obligation consultation on your legal requirements, get in touch. INNER WHEEL CLUB OF SOUTH WAIRARAPA Helping our south pacific neighbours Jocelyn Hogg spoke to our club 2025 about her Rotary project in Vanuatu. She told us she enjoys a challenge. She is this year’s Rotary District Governor of District 9940, comprising a mere 36 clubs in the southern part of the North Island. Jocelyn formed the Rotary Breezeway eClub. This is a satellite club that meets online. At the same time, as part of her volunteer work in Vanuatu, she has made several trips focussing on rebuilding school buildings destroyed by Cyclone Pam on Ambrym Island (2015) and assisting Rongdal School, Port Villa following Cyclones Judy and Kevin (2023) and now the 7.4 earthquake (2025). Conditions on Ambrym Island were difficult. There are no vehicles, limited running water and electricity is supplied by generators. Food at that time was very limited. For example, on her arrival one time, she was offered pumpkin leaf soup! The team managed to build a 30-metre classroom block, office and reclad eight other structures around the school including the principal’s home, the school library and kindy. Rondal school is on the main island, about one hour’s drive from Port Vila, in a very poor district. The water supply to Rongdal School is by way of collecting it from a river a couple of kilometres away, then pouring that into large water storage containers for use. A very time-consuming daily task. Jocelyn has found the Vanuatu people to be very hospitable and extremely grateful for the help that Rotary offers to them. On a group visit to Rongdal in October 2024, the team painted and erected two new blackboards into each of the classrooms. They put up spouting to help with water collection, painted out-buildings, took school supplies, reading books, knitting, sandals and a laptop computer for a student. On a previous trip we supplied funds for solar panels to be set up, and internet for the school. At this school, the teacher will learn the lesson online before immediately teaching the children. Fortunately, the group has the support of a hotel which allows them to use some of its land for selling produce they grow to support the school now that the market collapsed following the earthquake. The next focus is getting running water to the school. The school fees are approximately $1,000 NZD each term, and the parents of students who are unable to pay, help in the vege garden and the classrooms in exchange for their child or children’s education. Jocelyn told us a special story about Florence, an orphan her family bought back to New Zealand, where she was given three years’ secondary education in New Zealand. When she arrived, she was very frightened. Everything was foreign to her such as vehicles, using the flushing toilet, boiling a jug or even using a door handle to open a door. Nowadays Florence is out in the world, having benefitted from this generous offer. Lyn Heafield Editor, Wairarapa Inner Wheel

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS 10 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 Ever wondered where the proceeds from the Martinborough Fair are spent? Every year the Rotary Club of South Wairarapa distributes tens of thousands of dollars earned from the two Fairs into clubs, schools, projects, events and scholarships helping to enrich our local communities. The 2024/25 recipients include: Martinborough • Martinborough Junior Cricket Club • Martinborough Squash Rackets Club • The Social Crust – Meals on Wheels to purchase a freezer • Martinborough School fundraiser • Anonymous donation to local skate park and medical centre Featherston • Featherston Community Centre Charitable Trust • Featherston RSA Memorial Inc • Featherston’s Own Community Trust • Featherston Foodbank • Featherston Christmas Parade • South Featherston School Camp • Featherston Beautification Group Greytown • Te Hupenui Art Gallery • Greytown Pavilion • Predator Free Greytown • Kuranui College • Greytown Pavilion – Youth Contribution • Kuranui Bursary x 2 Wider Wairarapa • Carterton Swimming Club • Local Hockey • The Great Kiwi Circus Show for two children • Wairarapa Youth Orchestra • Caring Families Aotearoa – Family Fun Day • Scholastic NZ – Books for Schools • Rotary Youth Drivers (RYDA) • Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) • Rotary Community Awards • Wairarapa Mathematics Association • Age Concern Expo • South Wairarapa Primary Sports Club Other Donations • Wairoa Mayoral Relief Fund • RNZWCS – Donation to Vanuatu Earthquake Relief If your organisation or charity is looking for additional funds for a community project or other programme you can apply via our website https://swrotary.org.nz and click on Funding/Grants and fill in the form. Someone from Rotary will contact you to discuss your application. To ensure the continuity of the two fairs, South Wairarapa Rotary is actively seeking new members. If you would like to be part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to doing good in the community, get in touch via the website or email us at [email protected] We need you! SOUTH WAIRARAPA ROTARY CLUB Martinborough Fair proceeds assist South Wairarapa communities to thrive Club South Wairarapa Members of South Wairarapa Rotary Club

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 11 Suffler is here LOCALLY OWNED • SERVICING WAIRARAPA-WIDE & Appliances (2017) Ltd 34-36 High Street Sth, Carterton • 06 379 8930 • Sales and service of most brands of whiteware and electrical goods • Wiring for renovations and new builds • Electrical repair work Suffler is here The Greytown house that had been purchased by the Dugdale Charitable Trust to renovate and on-sell, raising funds for Life Flight, has been completed and is now on the market. Greytown Lions Club members were a big part of this project and in all spent well over 400 hours on this. In mid-February Greytown Lions Club and members from Carterton Lions Club met for a combined social “sports” evening at the South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club. This was very successful and hopefully we will continue to work together with other local service groups on projects as well as the odd social gathering. We will be providing a team to take part in Cobblestone’s Charity Quiz Night and Auction in April. Our members are working with SW Rotary in assisting with the running of the Tauwharenikau Races – one meeting in mid-March and one in April. The South Wairarapa District Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund and the Greytown Community Board had granted our club grants to help with the enhancement of the Wire Shed on the Lions’ Walkway at the end of Udy St. A mural painter will commence work there in the next few days (weather-permitting) and there are plans to erect history boards outlining the history of the Shed. On Saturday 15 March, Greytown Lions Club members will be holding a street appeal outside Fresh Choice supermarket, Greytown, to raise funds for the Child Cancer Foundation. EFTPOS will be available this time. This is a very worthy cause and we encourage the public to support this. New Zealand Lions organises an annual Speechmakers Contest for young people, and Greytown Lions Club will approach Kuranui College to see if any student there wishes to participate. Any costs incurred will be paid for by our club. There is a monetary prize for the winners of this contest. As always, donations of a trailer-load of firewood are asked for, so that they can be raffled for fundraising purposes. The Greytown Toy Library and Property Brokers (to help take local athletes to the Special Olympics Summer Games in Christchurch) are the beneficiaries in the last couple of weeks. The team has been busy ensuring that there are good stocks of garden products available for our weekly Saturday deliveries. There are good supplies of kindling, pea straw, mushroom compost and sheep manure. We are keen to recruit new members into our club and have had some success in the last few months. One of our members, Barry Knight, is our club’s membership lead person, and he has been working with our Lions District 202M Cabinet to promote membership. GREYTOWN LIONS Monthly update

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS 12 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 GREYTOWN EARLY YEARS Investigation and inspiration We are continuing to enjoy the last little moments of sun as we move through to Autumn. Last month, as you know, we excitedly purchased new resources to further support ngā tamariki passions, urges and learning through play! They have since been enjoying a beautiful selection of felt and wooden pieces to strengthen their rich imaginations through story-telling experiences. This is a wonderful way for ngā tamariki to grow their understanding around stories and language, as they find new ways to be creative and express themselves. Our kaiako and environment is intentionally set up to support ngā tamariki where they feel a sense of connectedness and belonging to their learning space as these invitations reflect their interests and learning goals. Trajectory and transporting skills, have been supported with a new hoop and a magnetic vertical station – perfect for ball runs and creating with magnetic tiles. Sensory and water play experiences are set up alongside our natural materials – ideal for potion-making and experimenting! Ngā tamariki are also enjoying exploring Te Taiao/ the natural world, particularly heading into O’Connor’s Bush. Here, we continue to observe their confidence and encourage themselves as rangatira as they lead and guide their own learning as well as supporting their ngā hoa ideas too. This is evident in their risky play as they challenge themselves physically in climbing, balancing, jumping and swinging from trees; strengthening these important skills that will later support their formal learning. As bugs and insects become a shared interest between tamariki, we are enjoying investigating these together both at Early Years and in the bush as part of our Adventurers and Explorers programme. We are currently in the process of collecting natural materials for our bug hotel as well as revisiting cicada and butterfly life cycles. It’s so enjoyable working alongside ngā tamariki as they continue to recognise and appreciate their own learning abilities, as well as others and making sense of their worlds. We continue to be inspired and work collectively with the talented Toymaker, Martin! With his intentional woodworking sessions based on the childrens’ current knowledge, skills and understandings, we are seeing these being strengthened as he introduces new ideas and tools. We have enjoyed constructing, drilling, hammering, sawing and sanding snakes, cats and cameras so far for resources for our centre. Such a wonderful initiative for ngā tamariki to be able to enjoy the manaaki they have put into their work through a collaborative approach. We had our annual whānau event this month too, where we all participated in a walk/run-athon fundraiser. This was met with so much enthusiasm, encouragement and support from one another as we achieved our goals and laps. Ka pai tō mahi Early Years whānau! Bugs and insects to discover Woodworking sessions Star Photo ORIENTAL CARPETS HOUSE LTD UP TO 60% OFF STOREWIDE All Sizes of handmade woolen rugs and kilims are available in store: 300cm x 400cm 200cm x 300cm 150cm x 200cm 80cm x 300cm ... and more OPEN 7 DAYS 9:30am to 5:30pm 84 Main Street, Greytown Note: All hand made rugs are different from each other, and price is depending on size and quality. CLEARANCE MASSIVE SALE p: 022 062 2827 w: Orientalcarpets.co.nz orientalcarpetshouse Must End MONDAY 24 MARCH 2025!

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 13 CCTV Security New builds Alterations Freeview television Phone/data Hot water repairs Fault finding Installs of all electrical appliances For all your electrical needs, a quote or advice, call: Hamish Meyrick Registered Electrician A busy February kept the brigade active over the past month. We attended 26 fire emergency calls for the month. This is almost double what we would normally do. Many of these calls were significant events with some requiring our services for multiple hours at a time. A big thank you to our members, their families and employers for this support and dedication to the community. On 22 February we were scrambled to Masterton to attend multiple different fires in churches. All in all, we attended four separate events in the space of a few intense hours. Many of these fires were detected early due to brigade connected alarm systems. This early detection certainly saved more significant damage to multiple buildings. Unfortunately, we attended a small number of calls where houses did not have working smoke alarms. We can’t stress enough the need to have working smoke alarms in your house or business. These not only save lives, but save your property due to the early detection of fire. If you need help with a smoke alarm, please reach out to us. FENZ provide home fire safety visits, and we can help organise these for you. This includes the installation of new smoke alarms. Our shed project is continuing with great pride. We have had new guttering installed and have installed new, energy efficient LED lights into the building. Again, a big thanks to our self-employed members – some of whom have taken days off to work on this project. April will see the return of darker days and colder spells in weather. A reminder to be cautious with your fires. Keep all items a ‘metre from the heater’, have your chimneys cleaned each year, and don’t burn wet or green wood. If you think your chimney flue is on fire, call us immediately so we can ensure there is no fire spread into your ceiling. April will also see the brigade hold our traditional kids’ Easter egg hunt for members families. This is a fantastic way to give a bit back to those who sacrifice so much. This event sees kids hunt for Easter eggs along the beautiful rows of apple trees at Pinehaven Orchards. The past month the brigade has attended multiple calls including; 2 cover moves, 2 vegetation fires, 3 miscellaneous fires, 10 structure fires, 6 motor vehicle crashes and 3 alarm activations. For anything brigade related, please check out our Facebook page or contact Chief Fire Officer Seth Rance on 027 461 6391. Our station phone is now pushed through to the above number. Our Facebook page has regular updates and news. GREYTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE Frantic February keep brigade on its toes Find out more at www.fireandemergency.nz and stay connected at /fireandemergencynz and /greytownfire Clocks go back an hour... Sunday 6 April

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS 14 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Sandi Maddox’s artistic journey – embracing the landscape Sandi Maddox moved to the Wairarapa from the UK 19 years ago with her young family. Initially settling in Featherston, she relocated to the rural Western Lake area 15 years ago. Art and creativity have always been central to Sandi’s life, and she began her formal studies in 2008. Initially focusing on drawing, Sandi’s practice evolved and the opportunity to return to study arose in 2018 at the Learning Connexion, transforming her artistic approach. One of the most significant takeaways was the concept of ‘core drivers’ as an artist—what are you continually drawn to, and why? For Sandi, the answer was clear: the landscape. Commuting provided the perfect opportunity to study the landscape through the seasons. How to capture it? As an Occupational Therapist with a special interest in sensory processing, she realised that the most important aspect was not the view itself, but how it felt to be in the landscape. This realisation led to more plein air sketching, where Sandi would sit and absorb the feel of the place, bringing these memories and sensations back to the studio to translate onto canvas. Sandi’s current body of work is heavily influenced by the coastal landscapes close to her home, particularly Ocean Beach and Lake Ōnoke. She utilises acrylic paints, charcoal, and a chalk medium in her recent series, creating a soft abstraction. Sandi will be on sabbatical from the gallery from April to July, during which she plans to paint new works, continue her series, and ‘go bigger.’ Follow Sandi on Instagram: @Sandi.Maddox.Art Linda Kirkland on behalf of the Greytown Art Gallery The Full Circle exhibition has provided a vibrant platform for a diverse range of Wairarapa-based artists to showcase their work at the Greytown Art Gallery. The exhibition has been met with resounding success, with numerous pieces being sold and continuously replaced by additional circular artworks. For many artists, displaying their creations in a gallery for the first time can be an intimidating experience. Public exhibitions expose their creations to the varying tastes and opinions of the audience. It’s essential to remember that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and recognising the dedication and effort invested in each piece is crucial. All the artworks currently on display at the Greytown Gallery are original. The exhibition will remain open until 31 March. Many readers of the Greytown Grapevine might not be aware of the unique operation behind the Greytown Gallery and its exhibiting artists. The Society of Artists is a not-for-profit group comprising 30 local artists who collectively share the rent and running costs of the gallery. Rather than taking commission from the artists, the Society has each artist commit to one day a month working in the gallery. This ensures the gallery remains open every day of the week from 10am to 4pm. Every quarter, the Society welcomes new Wairarapa artists who have not previously exhibited in the gallery, giving them an opportunity to showcase their work. This approach fosters a supportive and noncompetitive environment that is rare in today’s art world. By purchasing artwork or simply visiting the gallery, you show your support and appreciation for the arts and the artists themselves. To keep informed of new developments in the gallery please join our mailing list; email admin@ greytownartgallery.nz and visit our website https://www. greytownartgallery.nz TE HUPENUI/GREYTOWN ART GALLERY Exhibition draws the crowds Friends of the Te Hupenui/Greytown Gallery If you are interested in joining the ‘Friends’ and having exclusive access to the gallery and specific events, please email admin@ greytownartgallery.nz. Keep an eye out on social media for up and coming events at the gallery. Linda Kirkland, Gallery Editor We come to you! CARPET & HARD FLOORING SPECIALS Shaun Stephens 0272 663 362 Local Business Owner Wairarapa 0800 102 004 | harrisonscarpet.co.nz 027 288 8166 [email protected] • New Builds • Renovations • Alterations • Decks • Repairs & Maintenance Full Circle opening night Sandi in her studio Sandi Maddox – “Me, the Land & the Sea

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 15 GREYTOWN TOY LIBRARY Starting at the top The new school year is underway along with the seasonal increase in toy library rentals. Its so good to see that toys are enjoyed for the full span of their ‘playable’ life. This year we have been able to stock up thanks to a toy grant from the Lottery Grants Board. We focused on replacing some outdoor toys and these lovely wooden cooking toys which will spark imaginative play for many years to come. With toys replenished our attention can turn again to muchneeded upgrades of our premises. First priority is to replace our crumbling end-of-life ceiling panels and insulate the ceiling. We look forward to a more hygienic environment without such extremes of heat and cold in future. Fundraising for the ceiling replacement began last year. We hope to raise another $15,000 this year to be able to commence works. It seems a relatively small sum to aim for but as anyone who does fundraising knows, it takes an awful lot of time and effort. On that note, the Greytown Toy Library thanks everyone involved as so many in our community have supported us over 2024 and into 2025. We always value your support. Thanks to a wonderful Lottery Grant its Foodie Month at the toy library! Monday 10:30am-12:30pm Thursdays & Sundays 2:30pm-4:30pm WORKSHOP REPAIRS & SERVICING WAIRARAPA-WIDE PICK UP & DELIVERY Stihl Shop Greytown 246 Main Street 06 304 9661 We repair all makes and models of outdoor power equipment. Greytown Gliding was well represented at the NZ National Gliding Championships held last month at Omarama, North Otago. The weather was excellent for gliding with seven out of the nine contest days flown with the daily course being set anywhere between 350-500km, depending on the thermal strength. Pilots fly around the assigned turn points (normally three to four turnpoints ), and the fastest competitor is the daily winner. The pilot with the highest score over the entire event is the NZ Gliding Champion. We are proud to say that Dane Dickinson of our club is the 2025 National Gliding Champion. Pictured is Dane receiving his winner’s trophy from Contest Director and past Federation of Airsports International President ( FAI ) Bob Henderson. Grae Harrison, Glidegreytown.nz GREYTOWN GLIDING Champ brings it home

SPORT 16 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 We are fast approaching the winter sports seasons and the weather is starting to feel more crisp that’s for sure. I look forward to getting out and about watching some winter sports this season. I will be sending out all the sign on information for winter sport within the next few weeks to the kids at Greytown school so keep an eye out for that to make sure you don’t miss your sport registration info. This will also be sent through the school Communication loops and on our facebook page. I am continuing my work in finishing off the Pavilion after celebrating an awesome opening event. It was such a milestone to have the clubs be able to open and utilise this awesome new facility. We have a few finishing touchs and are still fundraiing for our new cricket nets. We hope to be able to hire this facility out during the week for meetings or other activities moving forward. Please get in touch with me at the Greytown Sport and Leisure Office for more information on that. [email protected]. Please feel free to share your pictures and Volunteer of the Month nominations with me by the 10th of each month for our newsletter here in the grapevine. We love to hear what you have all been up to and so does our community. Email these through to [email protected] or pop in and see me at the office. Rosie Swanson, Executive Officer [email protected] www.greytownsport.org.nz P: (06) 304 8310 | M: 027 278 9400 VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH – MARCH 2025 This month we are celebrating Julian Downs. Julian is the new President of the Greytown Football Club. Since being appointed last year he has stepped in and made a significant positive impact to all aspects of the club including successful merging the two clubs in February this year. He stepped into the Pavilion Project with a positive attititude and has helped at a pivotal time to get this project to completion with everything from the build to unfdraising, l coordinating work bees and everything else in between. With a positive can do attitude Julian gets in and gets the task done and uses his great skills to bring others on board to help. On behalf of Team Greytown we greatly appreciate all your efforts over the past few months in helping your clubs with a successful merger and all of the positive other work you have a carried out in such a short space of time. We look forward to seeing the club continue to succeed under your helm. Greytown Rugby Club Senior Preseason Training in Full Swing at Greytown Rugby Club! With the rugby season fast approaching, the Greytown Rugby Club is already deep into preseason training, and the energy on the field is electric. Players have been putting in the hard work since late August, thanks to the dedicated team at Strength Nation, who have been helping them build strength and endurance at their new SN Club premises in Masterton. The commitment from the squad has been outstanding, with strong numbers at training sessions and a mix of both returning players and exciting new talent joining the ranks. The atmosphere at the club is buzzing as the team sharpens their skills and fitness in preparation for the season ahead. Fans won’t have to wait long to see the team in action, with two preseason games scheduled right here in Greytown. Mark your calendars for 15 March and 29 March, with both matches kicking off at 1pm. These games will be a great opportunity to see the team in action before the official season opener on 5 April. With a solid foundation of offseason training and a strong squad shaping up, the 2025 season is looking promising for Greytown Rugby Club. Stay tuned for more updates, and be sure to come down to support the team as they gear up for an exciting year on the field! Junior Rugby Registrations coming soon! On Thursday 3rd and 10th of April, 5-6pm, we will be hosting registration evenings for kids who want to play JAB this year. Come down for some touch rugby, a sausage sizzle, and to get your child registered for the new season. We will also be running a boot exchange program just like previous years – just bring in any boots that are too small for your kids and grab a pair that fit them.

SPORT The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 17 The ‘Team Greytown’ section of the Greytown Grapevine is coordinated by the Greytown Sport & Leisure Society. The Society would particularly like to recognise the generous support provided by Lamb-Peters Print and Greytown Lands Trust to sport and leisure activities in our community. And many thanks to everyone that supplies images of our athletes in action. Greytown Football Club Greytown Bowling Club The last of the 2024-25 Seasons Club Championship events, the Junior Men’s & Women’s Singles & the Men’s Pairs, have been completed. After the preliminary rounds, for both of those disciplines, the “Finalists“ were : Junior Singles: Men: Andrew Clouston vs Craig Meyrick. Winner: Craig Meyrick. Women: Phillippa Roil-Glendenning vs Janice Stratford. Winner: Janice Stratford. Both Craig & Janice now go through to the Bowls Wairarapa Centre Junior Champion of Champions Singles on Sunday 13 April. Junior Pairs: Men: Andrew Clouston & Ben Milne vs Darren Bevan & Craig Meyrick Winners: Andrew Clouston & Ben Milne Andrew & Ben go through to the Bowls Wairarapa Centre Junior Champion of Champions Pairs to be played on Saturday 12 April. The Board and all Members extend warmest congratulations to all of our Winners, and also extend best wishes and well done to all who took part in these events. Weather permitting, our Business House Competition 2025 is scheduled to hold “Finals Night” on Thursday evening, 13 March. The Winning Teams & other Placegetters in both Division 1 and the Plate will be advised in the next issue of the “Grapevine”. Participating Teams have expressed how much they are enjoying being involved in this Competition and how much they are looking forward to the 2026 Competition, due to start in January next year. In fact a number have advised that they wish to register, in advance, for 2026. And coming up, our Premier Gala of the year, the GBC “Fruit Bowl” Gala is to be played over the weekend of 5 & 6 April at the Greytown BC. Again, more about that in the next issue A heartfelt thank you to all of our “volunteers”(quite a small band) who, week after week, look after all those things that enable the Club to keep functioning. Without you there would be no Club! Primary Grades Hockey starting Term 2 – Week 2. Any year 5-8 players in the Wairarapa Region are welcome to join our club. Years 7 & 8 will play either Wednesday or Friday depending on Entries. If you are interested in playing, please go to our website and find the registration form. https://www.sporty.co.nz/kiakahahockey/junior-hockey/ junior-player-registration Contact Jess for more information on 0277412520 or email [email protected] Kia Kaha Hockey Junior football registrations are underway with the closing date of Friday 4 April. To register please go to the junior football website at https:// www.sporty.co.nz/greytownjuniorfootball. In order to run a successful season we will be looking for coaches, managers, line markers and people to help with festival days. During registration there is space to register as a volunteer, so please include your details. Preparation for senior football is well underway with training and casual football getting everyone fit and ready. We have both mens and ladies teams and still have space available if you interested in social football – all abilities welcomed. Go to the senior club website if your keen to join https://www.greytownfc.org.nz/. Youth football training academy starts the first week in April. Email [email protected] for registration details. Hockey Wairarapa Hockey Wairarapa started a busy year with the Mini Sticks competition on 6 March, followed by our Senior grades on 5 April We are pleased to be re-introducing a senior midweek grade for those newbies, returning players or anyone that cannot play on a weekend. See our website or contact Sharon for further information. Looking to market your business? We have 20,000 visits to our facility annually, including from all over the lower North Island – a great way to extend your marketing campaign and support Hockey Wairarapa. Stix Café and Bar is open 7 days a week during the season, with the pavilion and facilities available for hire. For any information or queries contact Sharon at [email protected] ; Advanced Football Coaching – Improve dribbling, passing, and finishing ; Gym-based Strength Training – Increase muscle, explosiveness & resilience ; UEFA C Licensed Coach ; Personal Trainer/BSc in Sports Coaching GET STRONGER. FASTER. BETTER. 8-Week Football Skills & Strength Camp Greytown, Memorial Park Ages 13-18

18 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 South Wairarapa District Council asks the community – What matters most? South Wairarapa District Council has adopted the consultation document for the 2025/34 Long-Term Plan ahead of public consultation opening Friday 7 March, where the community can have their say on a number of proposals will influence activities, services and investment across the district over the next nine years. For the 2025/26 year, Council is proposing a total rates increase of 4.3%, or $1.24 million. This is based on the budgeted options outlined in the consultation document. The individual impact on ratepayers will depend on property value and infrastructure connections. The final increase will depend on the decisions Council make during deliberations in response to community feedback. “We know South Wairarapa ratepayers have faced unsustainable rates increases over the past few years. We’ve landed in a place which reflects the investment needed to meet regulatory requirements set by Central Government, along with inflationary pressures to maintain our assets and continue to deliver our core services,” said Sadler-Futter. Deputy Mayor Melissa Sadler-Futter invites the community to share their views with the Council throughout the consultation. “Who knows our community better than you? Your feedback will help shape the future, so let’s chat. This plan is only a draft proposal, and by no means set in stone, so if you have strong views, please come and talk to us throughout the consultation period,” says Sadler-Futter. The proposals in the document cover a range of topics that are important to the community: • Alternative ways to distribute rates • Operating our water network • Prioritising our roading improvements One of the proposals includes investing $5.2m of capital spend to complete the full Low Cost Low Risk roading programme, after the funding request was declined by NZTA due to ongoing reprioritisation in Central Government agencies. To defer this work into future funding rounds would result in reduced resilience to the roading network. It also proposes some changes to the way some rates are distributed. “After recognising that moving from rating based on land value to capital value may have disproportionately impacted some more than others, we’ve looked at ways to address this. We’d love to hear about whether the options are a move in the right direction,” said Sadler-Futter. While the document outlines options Council thinks work best, a requirement of the Local Government Act 2002, the community is encouraged to share their thoughts across all options, to be considered during deliberations ahead of the Long-Term Plan being finalised. “We have gathered your feedback over the past two years to help shape a Long-Term Plan that we feel reflects our community’s needs and aspirations on a roadmap for the next nine years, guiding smart investments so our district thrives,” says Sadler-Futter. How can you have your say? • Come to one of our community drop in sessions to talk to elected members. • Visit haveyoursay.swdc.govt.nz to read the consultation document and complete an online submission form. • Pop into any of our three libraries or the council office at 19 Kitchener Street, Martinborough to pick up a paper submission form. Consultation runs until Sunday 6 April. The Long-Term Plan will be adopted in June 2025. Have your say on one of the biggest decisions in decades The mayors of Wairarapa and Tararua are calling on residents of their respective districts to indicate their preference on one of the biggest council decisions in decades – how drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater will be managed in the future. South Wairarapa, Carterton, Masterton, and Tararua district councils are consulting on whether water services should be managed under a new council-controlled water organisation for Wairarapa-Tararua or continue under existing approaches. The change is part of the Government’s Local Water Done Well (LWDW) reforms, with all four district councils consulting separately with their communities. “The way water services are managed is changing due to legislation, and we want our communities to tell us which option they prefer,” Tararua Mayor Tracey Collis, who chairs the Advisory Oversight Group for LWDW, said. “The focus of Local Water Done Well is on delivering better water services and being financially sustainable. “Each district has major infrastructure projects ahead, and councils face increasing responsibilities and regulations for drinking water, wastewater, and, in the future, stormwater – under the Government’s new regulator, the Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai, and the economic regulator – the Commerce Commission. “We need to be well-prepared to meet our communities’ water needs. Ratepayers and councils are being financially strained by the requirement of improved level of services, managing growth and the replacement of old assets that are at the end of their useful life and failing. “Water services are a big part of what councils do, and this upcoming change is a huge and intergenerational decision – one that won’t just affect us today, but also our children, their grandchildren, and the future generations to come. The choice we make now will shape the future of something essential to us all – water. “We cannot make a decision on this without hearing what our communities think, so we need people to share their views on their council’s proposal. “Each council will have its own consultation document with its own range of options – but each will include the same information on the Wairarapa-Tararua proposal, as this is the shared option representing a multi-council-controlled organisation, we are each considering.” The councils’ independent consultations start in March on the following dates: • South Wairarapa District Council – 7 March-6 April • Tararua District Council – 14 March-22 April • Carterton District Council – 14 March-22 April • Masterton District Council – 21 March-22 April

The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 19 Greetings from the Greytown Community Board (GCB) as we head into Autumn. The GCB is hard at work getting ready for some significant events coming up. But first, of all the GCB will be posting on Facebook and coming to community groups and areas to seek feedback on our Long Term Plan Submission around Arbor Day and Arbor Reserve. Please look soon to our Facebook page, and come speak to us as we want to speak to as many as possible about our plans to expand Arbor Reserve, and have the fact that Greytown was the location of the First Arbor Day in New Zealand more widely and regularly recognised. The GCB will also be reaching out to community and sport groups to be involved again in our Volunteer Expo on 8 June 2025 at the Town Hall. This is an opportunity to learn about activities in Greytown and how to become more involved in our wonderful community. The GCB will also be partnering again with Papawai Marae for Matariki and to celebrate the 135th Anniversary of Arbor Day in Greytown. Please save Thursday 3 July 2025 as we hope to have a special planting ceremony at Arbor Reserve followed by refreshments in the Town Hall with prizegiving. Finally we want to recognise a talented artist and former student at Kuranui College, Maya Dias. It took a number of years organising but finally the Chorus and NZTA/Waka Kotahi boxes at the south entrance to Greytown have been painted to recognise Arbor Day and a cultural connection to our environment. Whilst Chorus boxes being painted is a regular occurrence, Greytown is the first town to have a NZTA box painted. Look for more artistry from Maya Dias coming soon, we hope. 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 via email at [email protected] Louise Brown, Chair Community Focus Louise Brown Maureen Hodder DipReflex DipPsych MRNZ Carterton Phone: 063799203/0274411127 Email: [email protected] Reflexology Reflexology is a gentle relaxing therapy – clients are experiencing a sense of deep relaxation, relief from stress and distress, a reduction in pain and symptoms, improved sleep, feet that are more supple and comfortable to walk on, a lightness of mood and more. Come and experience the benefits of reflexology in the restful space I have created. The Greytown RSA Committee will conduct a public Commemoration Service at the WWII 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 2025 COMMEMORATION Masterton Returned & Services Association (Inc) Greytown Branch Councillor Alistair Plimmer to stand for Regional Council Alistair Plimmer has announced he is standing for Greater Wellington Regional Council at this year’s local government elections, after six years representing the Greytown Ward on the South Wairarapa District Council. “It has become very clear to me that the Regional Council is not reflecting the views and aspirations of the people of the Wairarapa, either in the towns or rurally,” Mr Plimmer said. “I have spoken to many people across the district, watched with interest the Regional Council’s ‘management’ of our rivers, and listened to the presentations by the Regional Council on our combined District Plan. I believe they are not taking our district seriously and have become a block to growth and reasonable development in Wairarapa.” “I do not say this lightly. My view is based on my three years on the Combined District Plan Committee and my roles as chair of the Remutaka Road Users Forum and Hearings Representative for Wairarapa on the Greater Wellington Regional Transport Plan. “Nothing in my interaction with Greater Wellington Regional Council over the last six years has given me confidence that they understand the aspirations of the Wairarapa residents. “It is time for a new broom. The challenge for me, if elected, will be to make the council both relevant and accountable to the district. Councillor Plimmer is not shy of controversy. In his six years on SWDC he has confronted issues head-on and has been a strong voice across the community. He has shown that he is prepared to challenge the status quo – something he believes Wairarapa needs on the Regional Council. Alistair Plimmer grew up and went to school in Wairarapa, living rurally at Matahiwi. After 20 years in the New Zealand Army, he and his family returned to Wairarapa when he became General Manager of Oldfields Aggregates and later the Wairarapa Branch Manager for Oldfields Ltd. “These roles gave me an in-depth knowledge of the challenges of district-wide river management, which has been furthered by my role as a Commissioner on the Combined District Plan,” he said. “I have also been involved in education for the last 12 years as Chair of two local schools. This led to my election on the SWDC for the Greytown ward, where I have delivered a new wheels’ park project for the community, green space security and a clear focus on infrastructure. I have also been the Chair of the District Licensing Committee for South Wairarapa.” Alistair Plimmer, 027 2547824, [email protected] Alistair Plimmer

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS 20 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 Open Wednesday to Saturday 9.00 am till 3.00pm Our first entertainment of the year will on Friday 4 April at 7pm which will be the return of Back in Time. Club 60: Our next meeting will be on Monday 31 March. 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 on our afternoons especially those newly-joined members. We meet on the last Monday of the month, from January to November at 1.30-4pm. Golf: Recently our ladies attended the Chartered Club Ladies North Island Championships at Dannevirke. Our Team 3 came first-equal, tying with Waitomo. Congratulations ladies. Pool: The pool adjunct began their activities with general play every Wednesday night after the draw. There is a full year’s listing on the noticeboard of our upcoming events. We have had our first championships for the year. The Ladies Singles were won by Jess Clapp with Rose Byl runner-up, and the Mens’ Singles by Jack Lemon with Peter Byl runner-up. Outdoor Bowls: Our annual trophy, the Roy Inglis Trophy, has unfortunately been postponed again this year due to the unavailability of the Bowling Club. Indoor Bowls: Our 2025 season will start again next week on Thursday 27 March. Until we get more members, our evenings will be every two weeks rather than weekly. On Thursday 10 April we are holding an ‘Out of the Hat’ competition at which is open to all club members. Name on the noticeboard please. Welcome to the South Wairarapa Workingmans’ Club Monthly Darts: The season has again begun with District and Maungaraki Competitions under way Tuesday and Thursday nights. Anyone wishing to play see any of the darts committee, or check the office for a contact. Recently, at the Chartered Club North Island Tournament, Jacqui White and Odette Doherety made the last 8 in the Ladies Pairs in the main event, and Odette the last 16 in the Ladies Singles. Tuesday Club: We play cards every Tuesday at 1pm. Popular card games are Bolivia, Five Crowns, Phase 10 and Pony Canasta. Euchre and 500 are also available. If you are unfamiliar with any of these games, come and join us for a friendly afternoon and learn. Dancing: Are you interested in learning to dance? We have sessions every Monday night at 7pm. These are beginner-focused, at which we teach the basics of Rock’n’Roll, Ballroom, Latin, 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, you can join at any time. Hand-crafted concrete plant pots, water features & concrete furniture. Carterton formedbyhand.com 021 0224 4174

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 21 Open 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.nz EVERYTHING YOU NEED JUST 15 MINUTES UP THE ROAD MARTINBOROUGH If you’re keen to learn te reo Māori, Wairarapa Library Service offers a handy kit for you to use at home. In each te reo kete, you’ll find material for you and your whānau to learn and enjoy. As well as books teaching te reo words and grammar, there are bilingual picture books for the young ones, a card game to make learning fun for all, and books on tikanga Māori. There’s also a QR code on the tag attached to the kete’s handle – scan it for a list of useful online te reo resources and apps to take your learning to the next level. Te reo is very much part of our national identity and our kete makes it easy for everyone to gain confidence in using New Zealand’s national language. Ka taea e koe! WAIRARAPA LIBRARY SERVICE Have you tried our te reo kete? RED ROBIN CLUB GREYTOWN Rack Attack Our Dinner Meeting in February was purely a social outing. With a visit to the Dahlias at the Honey Farm on Moroa Road in Tauherenikau, Featherston, 27 of our members then headed to the Brac’n’Bow in Featherston for dinner. A major fundraiser, Rack Attack & Fashion Show is to be held on Friday 28 March 2025, 7pm, at the South Wairarapa Working Mens’ Club. Tickets are $25, or $130 for a table of six. Ticket price includes a glass of bubbles, nibbles, and spot prizes. Raffles, fun quiz, and lots more. Love the hunt and enjoy the find while supporting such a worthy cause! This event is organised the by the Red Robin Club of Greytown, with all proceeds to the Cancer Society. You only have a few days left to order tickets, so email [email protected] There will be a stunning variety of pre-loved top quality designer and label clothing, including leather coats, hats, handbags, shoes, and jewellery – all for sale. Compered by two well-known Wairarapa hosts, Lucy Cooper and Kate Abbot, plus a keynote speaker. Our club continues to take an active interest in the cultural, social and welfare needs of the Greytown and wider community through assisting with fundraising and projects. If you would like more information, please contact Helen Gray, phone 021 160 6088.

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS 22 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 Greytown Medical 06 304 9012 www.greytownmedical.co.nz Greyscale Ultrasound 06 601 3401 www.greyscaleultrasound.co.nz The Physio Spot 0800 842 749 www.thephysiospot.co.nz Healthfi t Collective 04 979 9056 www.healthfitcollective.co.nz Wairarapa Skin Clinic 06 370 2171 www.wairarapaskinclinic.co.nz Mole Map 0800 665 362 www.molemap.co.nz Tu Ora Compass Health www.tuora.org.nz Te Whatu Ora District Nurses 06 946 9827 Wellington SCL 06 304 9012 Bookings made through Greytown Medical Five Rivers Medical Directory of Services The Greytown Music Group’s 2025 concert series opens on 30 March with the Amici Ensemble, led by NZSO associate concertmaster Donald Armstrong. Donald has a long list of favourite compositions that he wants to perform, and this year he is joined by fellow NZSO members Alexander McFarlane on viola and Andrew Joyce on cello, together with Jian Liu on piano. Jian is an internationally celebrated concert pianist who has performed, won prizes, adjudicated for music competitions, and played in many chamber music groups, around the world. Currently he is the Programme Director of Classical Performance and Head of Piano Studies at the NZ School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington. First up on the programme will be Jean Françaix’s String Trio. Françaix, the son of a professional singer and the director of a music Conservatoire, learned the piano and was encouraged to compose from an early age. His String Trio, composed when he was 21, has a strong connection to the ballet music he was writing at the same time for the Russian Ballet of Monte Carlo. This will be followed by the Fauré Piano Quartet No.2. According to reviewers, the “Temperamental eruption of the opening is a genuine ear opener”, and the quartet “Bristles with energy and bewitches with beauty”! The final work will be the Brahms Piano Quartet No.3. The young Brahmns began the quartet during composer Robert Schumann’s last illness, when Brahms was torn between despair for his friend, and love for his friend’s wife, Clara, but was not finished until 20 years later. It is sometimes known as the Werther Quartet – a reference to Goethe’s epistolary novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, in which the Romantic hero commits suicide after falling in love with a married woman whose husband he admires. Keen listeners will detect the “Clara” theme, a sighing E flat, D,C,B,C descent, and the later ascent C, D, E flat, F, E flat. Amici Ensemble -–Françaix, Fauré and Brahms: 4pm Sunday 30 March at 57 Wood St, Greytown. Admission $30, $10 for children. For bookings, contact Ed and Juliet Cooke ph 06 304 9497 or [email protected] Brochures listing the other five Greytown Music Group concerts for 2025 can be obtained from WCM Legal, 2 Memorial Square, Carterton. GREYTOWN MUSIC GROUP Amici Ensemble returns

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 23 Do you like the photo’s? We reckon we have the best views from our office every day. If this spins your wheels and you are a great storyteller who is confident working with people, can work weekend shifts on a roster basis and love our regional history, then we’re looking for volunteer Front of House superstars and tour guides. Call us at Cobblestones on 06 304 9687 for more details. We’re rocketing along with the Two Sheds redevelopment. Exterior cladding is completed. The data and electrical cabling is complete, the insulation is being installed. Work will begin on the interior cladding, installing doors and windows over the next month. It looks great and we can’t wait to invite our community see it all finished. Some great events are coming up as well. Quiz Night and Auction on 11 April, 7pm at the Greytown Rugby Football Clubrooms is our heritage buildings conservation fundraiser. Tables of six are $120. Chris Cogdale is the Quizmaster. Come out for a laugh, rattle the brain cells and enjoy a fun night with friends. Cash Bar. Nibbles provided. Get your team together and register by emailing [email protected] or ph 021 160 6088. On Saturday 19 April, from 3 to 6pm, grab your funkiest gear and show us your grooviest dance moves to the fabulous music of Carl Webley from the group Uncle Monkey at Cobblestones Gin & Jive. This is part of the Greytown Gin Hootenanny and the Tweedies on the Blackwells National Tweed Meander will be joining us as well. Award-winning Greytown Distillery Gin will be available from our cash bar. Delicious food available to sustain you after all your energetic dancing. Book online: The Gin and Jive through Eventfinda. We look forward to catching up with you all. We 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 management SERVICES A dedicated team of skilled health professionals caring for the community. CONTACT OPENING HOURS 8am–5pm MON, TUES, THURS, FRI 8am–7pm WED 30 Bidwills Cutting Road, Greytown P: 06 304 9012 E: [email protected] www.greytownmedical.co.nz Talk to us about registering for Manage My Health today. Order your scripts online, view your medications and medical history. Greytown Medical Centre COBBLESTONES MUSEUM Best views in town

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS 24 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 www.teepeecider.co.nz or phone Trevor on 021 483 959 TeePee Cider of Dalefield are pleased to announce we were awarded a Silver and Best in Class at the 2024 New Zealand Cider Awards in Nelson. Available on our website Need an electrician? • maintenance • renovations • new builds aandkplumbing.co.nz 0800 473 583 Paul Mallinson gave an excellent talk after our Annual General Meeting on 28 February about taking pictures of the night sky. New technology has made it easier to get clearer photos of space objects from Earth. He showed two pictures of Clavius, a 230 km diameter, 3.5 km deep crater on the moon, one an old picture on a photographic plate from 1960, taken with the 200” telescope at Mt Palomar Observatory, and a recent picture he took himself with a much smaller 8” reflecting telescope in his backyard. Paul’s recent picture is much clearer than the old one because of new digital camera technology. The new technology works in two ways: 1.Better light detection: New cameras can capture light (photons) very much better than old film. They can take many pictures very quickly, typically 100 to 400 frames per second; 2.Smart picture processing: Computer programs can assess and combine these many quick pictures. They pick out the best 10 to 40% or so of the images and blend them together, which makes the final picture much clearer. There are two main types of sensors used in these new cameras; CCDs (Charge-Coupled Devices) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors). Both turn light into electrical signals but they work a bit differently. CCDs are very good at capturing light but can be slower in output. CMOS work faster through parallel data processing but can be more expensive to make. Paul mostly takes pictures of the moon and planets. He showed a picture comparing how small the planets Jupiter and Saturn look next to the moon when seen through a telescope. He has also started taking pictures of far-away space objects like distant galaxies and nebulas. In summary, new technology has made it possible for people like Paul to take amazing space photos from their own backyards, rivalling those from big observatories in the past. At our AGM John Reeve from Carterton was re-elected President and Jo Laing, Martinborough, elected Secretary/ Treasurer for the 2025/26 financial year. The South Wairarapa Rebus Club, southwairaraparebus.com, meets in the South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club, 9:45am, fourth Friday of each month. Anyone in the retired age group who may be interested in SW Rebus Club is welcome to meetings as a visitor. Introduce yourself at the door from the West Street carpark or contact John Reeve on 021 560 461. David J Woodhams SOUTH WAIRARAPA REBUS CLUB The final frontier 8” telescope with planetary camera 200” Palomar telescope on photographic film, 1960 Paul Mallinson

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 25 Tree reductions & removals Pruning & Trimming Hedging & Shaping Stump grinding & Storm Damage Qualified Wairarapa Arborist specialising in: TREE SERVICES Free no obligation quotes! Andy Traill – 0274509207 [email protected] As the season has subtly shifted into autumn we have seen a change in the bird life at O’Connors Bush. It’s still hard to spot invertebrates on the dry forest floor but clouds of smaller flying insects in the high branches have attracted many of our smaller manu / birds. A family of fantail / piwakawaka that spent summer together along the walkway have dispersed but we can still hear their cheeky squeaks as we work. Above us the grey warbler / riroriro trills and warbles. Such volume from a tiny bird! Work on clearing thousands of invasive karaka seedlings continues. Months ago we liberated so many that it is hard to believe there are still many more. Fortunately, more help is on the way with community board and council staff taking an interest in safe removal of the larger karaka trees. Just in time as the next round of seeding will start soon. Whew! Autumn is the time for lots of growth. Feathery ferny patches have freshened up and we can spot young totara, matai, rewarewa and tawa beginning their journeys to the canopy. These slow growing trees will take hundreds of years to fulfil their lifespan – fortunately ferns, shrubs, climbers and other plants that make up the lower levels will fill the karaka-gaps before then! The Friends of O’Connors Bush next working bees are at 10am Saturday, 29 March and 1pm Wednesday, 9 April. We meet beside the tennis courts at the Soldiers Memorial Park. Join us on either date for a low-key and sociable session. FRIENDS OF O’CONNOR’S BUSH Seasonal shifts WBS0098 Ts & Cs apply. Rates subject to change. Time for a change? Looking to buy a second home, upgrade or renovate? WBS is here to help. Contact us on (06) 370 0070, online at wbs.net.nz, or visit us at 125 Queen Street, Masterton. Get in touch today Callum and Kate Skeet The Greytown Trails Trust is the parent body of the Greytown Rail Trail, a fabulous community asset available for the use and enjoyment of all walkers, cyclists, and runners of all ages and abilities. The Greytown Country Market is the fundraising arm of the body that ensures there is money to maintain the trail surface, mow the grass, employ an arborist when required, maintain signage and look forward to future projects. Sustainability of this asset and others in our community relies on the volunteers who give something of themselves to make things happen for the benefit of others. So now the Trails Trust and the Country Market are reaching out to add to our band of happy community-minded volunteers so that this asset, developed over the past 15 years, has a succession plan. You may not be interested in doing ‘working bee’ type things on the Trail, but you may be interested in contributing to your community in other ways, and meeting some fabulous people along the way. We are looking for: • enthusiastic volunteers to assist with our sausage sizzle at the Country Market events. At present, this is nine events a year • Enthusiastic volunteers to help us run the Greytown Country Market. At present, this is nine events a year. Qualifications – you must be prepared to have fun, enjoy giving back to your local community and work with an existing team of like-minded volunteers. Please feel free to talk to members of our committee: Ted Ward 027 443 7882 email: [email protected] Lois Pitt 027 358 1459 Margaret and Bruce Cole 06 304 8499 GREYTOWN TRAILS TRUST Calling a new generation of volunteers

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS 26 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 Hire & Heat Shop 2 Bidwills Cutting Road Ph: 06 304 8196 Come and see us at the Hire and Heat Shop Greytown. Hire & Heat Shop 2 Bidwills Cutting Road Ph: 06 304 8196 With Summer here, it’s a good time to tidy your section with hire tools from your Hire & Heat Shop. We have hedge trimmers, pruners, leaf blowers, chainsaws and a woodchipper, just to name a few. GKM Property Services Need a Good Keen Man? Call me today! Other services David Stevenson 022 353 4504 or (06) 304 9175 Dingo digger with 4 in 1 bucket, leveling bars, concrete mixer, augers and trenching unit. Fencing, building repairs, lawn care, hedge trimming, house washing and water blasting, tree felling and firewood. Yes! I paint houses! (not like "The Irishman"). Many of the houses I have painted have required considerable preparation. The New Zealand sun is brutal on our house paints. I use quality paints. Do it once. Do it right! I'm happy to quote on any job. TAUHERENIKAU FRIENDSHIP CLUB Service and support in Afghanistan The February meeting of the Tauherenikau Friendship Club included two very interesting speakers. Sue Walker talked about her working life in the field of Biochemistry which enabled her to spend time on projects in many different countries, including VSO service in Africa. Sue and her family moved to New Zealand in 1983. As well as working in the Wellington Region, Sue has continued to enjoy travelling experiences and also involvement in The Friendship Force, NZ. After morning tea, our second speaker was Ged Byers who kept our audience engrossed with an account of his time in Bamiyan (near Kabul), Afghanistan in 2010. This was one of his three deployments overseas as Contingent Commander for NZ Police. In order to bring stability to the region, New Zealand formed part of a large task force for this purpose, made up of people from many different countries. His work included many projects, plus the mentoring of the Afghan National Police, anti-corruption measures, regional training, dealing with family violence and helping the local police and prosecutors. Certain areas in the region were very dangerous, roads were poor and the winter weather was severe with lots of flooding and washouts. Ged showed us many photos showing the impressive landscape and landmarks, the many people involved in the task force and also typical vehicles used on the harsh terrain. He also visited Bagram air base, where rocket attacks were commonplace. Sadly in 2010, New Zealand soldier Tim O’Donnell died in Bamiyan province after a patrol was ambushed and attacked. Ged visited Kabul on many occasions and even observed GREYTOWN LANDS TRUST March roundup Office space is available at 124 Main Street, Greytown Various options and terms available: • Large work space / reception area • Private office Access to the common facilities of the building including toilets, kitchen, boardroom and, if required, storage. The building also benefits from a security alarm system. For more information or to view email manager@ greytownlandstrust.org.nz or call Helga on 0274 517 011. Board Meeting Our next Board meeting is scheduled for 26 March at 8.30am in the Trust’s boardroom at 124 Main Street, Greytown. Members of the public are welcome to attend for the nonpublic excluded agenda items. Please contact us should you wish to attend. Email [email protected] Facebook For further news and updates don’t forget to visit our website www.greytownlandstrust.org.nz or on Facebook @Greytown Lands Trust. the national sport of Buzkashi. Regretfully, the Taleban have destroyed many historical artefacts in Bamiyan and Kabul. The speaker for our 7 March meeting was Christine Eliseev speaking about her life and times, and entertaining us with a display of Ukrainian Easter Eggs.

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 27 • 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 entertainment Members, affiliated members and guests welcome 120 Main Street, Greytown 06 304 9448 | [email protected] “Your comfort and enjoyment is the goal of our team.” Join the club and enjoy: Workingmen’s Club South Wairarapa 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 7524 You’re invited to join the Tauherenikau Friendship Club Do you enjoy: • making new friends • hearing great speakers • convivial morning teas? We also have optional group activities, including: • antiques • dining out • gardening Applications are now open for the first round of Powerco’s Community Fund. This year, the Powerco Community Fund will be split into two funding rounds, one in March and the second in August. Powerco General Manager Customer, Stuart Dickson, says he hopes splitting the fund will make it easier for community groups to access timely funding for projects that are important to their community. “We found one longer funding round didn’t suit the faster turnaround of projects at the grassroots level and we want our funding to be readily available for more community focused initiatives,” he says. Applications for round one can be made between 3 and 31 March 2025, and funding is available for projects to be delivered between June and November this year. Powerco will be supporting up to $5,000 per community project. Stuart Dickson says since the Powerco Community Fund was first launched in 2023, it has supported a range of community initiatives within Powerco’s electricity network. “We’re looking for projects run by the community, for the community, in some of the smaller towns and regions we serve – groups and organisations that may otherwise struggle to find funds for the projects that are meaningful to them and their community,” he says. Some of last year’s recipients include the Colville Public Hall, Kura Kai, Youth Voices Action, Whiritoa Lifeguard Service and Hauraki Reuse Centre. More information on funding criteria and how to apply is available on Powerco’s website here: powerco.co.nz/ community-fund POWERCO Powerco Community Fund opens 021 077 9008 [email protected] wildislands.nz Call Leif & Margaret Nature inspired design using locally sourced natural materials. Naturalistic Landscaping • Landscape Design • Construction • Consultancy

LOCAL GROUPS & EVENTS 28 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 The grading machine that sized apples by apple, or pear by pears, now decoratively displays and sells fruit from Pinehaven Orchard, sorted these days by variety rather than the diameter of the fruit. Mid-season sneaks an apple variant in that has a very particular Greytown reverberation. Freyberg. Readers of a certain vintage will recognise the homage paid to a one-time Governor General. His moniker identifies an Auckland stadium, various streets, buildings in Wellington, a swimming pool and, of course, this variety of apple. Lord Bernard Freyberg was a bearer of the Victoria Cross, an accomplished athlete, and conferred Baron in recognition of wartime and international leadership. But back to the apples. Greytown’s James Hutton Kidd developed the variety on the orchard that is now Pinehaven, releasing it is a specialist cultivar in 1934. Its parentage includes Golden Delicious and Cox’s Orange Pippin. Marketers of the time suppressed Freyberg’s commercial possibility because there was anxiety about it potentially undermining the cultivar Golden Delicious, which was already widely and commercially planted. As well they might; be anxious that is. In many ways Freyberg is a superior apple – it offers unobtrusive complexity, a crisper bite if newly ripe. It has the sweetness of Golden Delicious but a palate of much more intricacy and works both as a dessert apple and a cooker – holding its shape well. However, it’s not an apple that stores satisfactorily, so catching it in the orchard shop begs you be alert. It’s a scarce apple thanks to the marketing decision early last century. Rare in commercial orchards and relatively unknown in back gardens, the descriptor these days is “niche”. It deserves greater acknowledgment and is another bite of the story of Greytown’s orcharding that includes James Hutton Kidd putting Kidd’s Orange Red (sometimes known as Captain Kidd) and Gala on the map. Posthumously and in other hands, Gala was enhanced as Royal Gala. An eloquent history with international resonance amongst apples. Much reduced from last century, our orchard acreage is still important and a tribute to the past, and the people who continue to champion this horticulture. It’s our heritage. Trust 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: $20 single, $30 couple and $30 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 then contact you for your first name(s) and address for your receipt. Carmel Ferguson, Chairperson, 021 925 573, [email protected] Greytown Heritage Trust offers a rare opportunity to delve into the bigger tangles of heritage preservation and access. This year’s AGM guest speaker will be Rob Stevens whose very business this all is. Rob Stevens has had a significant career. Over the last two decades he has been the project lead for the refurbishment of the National Library of New Zealand, been a significant voice in the regeneration of Christchurch post-earthquake, and led the astonishing installation of He Tohu, the exhibition space for the original documents of Te Tiriti / The Treaty, He Whakaputanga / the Declaration of Independence and the Suffrage Petition. These deeply significant taonga sit alongside interpretive commentary in a very beautiful treasure box of undulating wood, a staunchly sophisticated environment of light and temperature, to preserve the nation’s essential taonga while providing our access to contemplate and interrogate our heritage. Currently Rob leads on the construction and fitting-out of the sparklingly new, purpose-built Archives New Zealand building on Wellington’s intersection of Mulgrave and Aitken Streets. Archives New Zealand collects, preserves and provides access to all government documentation. Rob will speak about the complexity and challenges of leading groups with high investment in taonga / treasures, and how he has worked to lead unanimity where culture, archival practice and public footfall bring quite different, and sometimes conflicting, demands. Greytown Heritage Trust Annual General Meeting Thursday 8 May, 7.00 pm at Sacred Heart Church on Main Street GREYTOWN HERITAGE TRUST / TE POUHERE TOANGA O KURATĀWHITI Greytown Heritage Trust AGM Core Business 2477 State Highway 2, Greytown Lamb-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 more SPECIALISTS & DESIGN 06 304 9245 [email protected]

NOTICES The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 29 1.Molewood, 7.Prior, 8.Afrikaans, 9.Ash, 10.Waka, 11.Kotahi, Across: 13.Mentor, 14.Defend, 17.Potato, 18.Rack, 20.Aka, 22.Gratified, 23.Ladle, 24.Skylines 1.Miaow, 2.Lordkin, 3.Waka, 4.Orator, 5.Sinai, 6.Orchard, Down: 7.Psoases, 12.Voltage, 13.Miracle, 15.Evasion, 16.Attack, 17.Paddy, 19.Kudos, 21.Dial Crossword Solution The Greytown Grapevine welcomes Letters to the Editor of 300 words or less. Letters may be edited for clarity, legal ramifications, length or general taste at the editor’s discretion. We also reserve the right to refuse to publish submitted letters for the same reasons. All letters must be signed. Letters published do not necessarily reflect the views of the Greytown Grapevine, its staff or its advertisers. Reader Photo “Inspirational artwork?”, sent in by Kevin of Masterton. 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. With works taken from across from across the motu, Aratoi’s Autumn exhibition schedule is a nod to the lessons of our past and how we can adapt them to create a better future. Main Gallery exhibition Der Tiefenglanz: Deep Gloss is a collaboration by contemporary jeweller Karl Fritsch and photographer Gavin Hipkins which plays on notions of perception. Hipkins has selected images from his archive of negatives, and printed these as gelatin silver photographs, before passing them onto Fritsch, who mounts them onto aluminium sheets – independently and brusquely pierces each one with his own archive of found gemstones and fine metals hoarded from his studio. This exhibition is a collaboration with the Hamish McKay Gallery in Wellington with loans from across Aotearoa. “Aratoi is thrilled to be showcasing the collaborative work of two of our country’s leading artists,” say Aratoi’s Director Sarah McClintock. “The final work, a result of their intimate trust in each other, is at one dark, irreverent, shocking and poignant.” Complimenting Der Tiefenglaz: Deep Gloss in the Main Gallery is local artist Janet Green. Green looks back over 50 years of her artistic practice, through her drawings, paintings and ceramics, taking inspiration from school days learning biology, her time working in the British Museum and as Site Conservator on archaeological excavations in South Eastern Türkiye and Cyprus. Her exhibition is aptly named Conglomeration, where many disparate things are all collected together in an unusual way. The Byzantine Palm Trees were observed on a cave wall during her travels near Göreme in Cappadocia, Türkiye and first drawn in her sketch book in 1998. By contrast the Girl with the Greyhound was inspired by a glimpse while driving down High Street, Carterton. Autumn Exhibitions: Der Tieflenglaz: Deep Gloss by Karl Fritsch and Gavin Hipkins 22 March – 8 June Janet Green: Conglomeration 22 March – 8 June ARATOI Autumn exhibitions Janet Green, Acorn Study, 2019, gouache and pencil on Lanaquarelle paper PUKAHA WILDLIFE CENTRE New chick On 20 February, MB126 hatched, making a dramatic entrance by kicking straight through the back of its shell. Weighing in at 329g, it is one of the biggest kiwi chicks we’ve welcomed this season and the fourth to hatch at Pukaha this year. The father, Tia, was hatched and raised at Pukaha before being released into the wild. Tia quickly found a mate and began nesting within three months. MB126’s grandfather is the wellknown Mapuna, a key part of Pukaha’s kiwi conservation efforts. This chick also carries a distinctive family trait – a small tuft of white feathers on its forehead, just like dad. We’re eager to see if this unique feature remains as it grows. A new conservation project is underway with the arrival of a Cook Strait giant weta. This marks the start of our weta advocacy programme, which aims to raise awareness and establish future release sites. The second-largest native weta species in New Zealand, the Cook Strait giant weta can grow to impressive sizes. Currently housed in temporary enclosures, the weta are being monitored and cared for by Pukaha rangers as new terrariums are prepared. Once widespread across the country, giant weta populations declined due to predators like rats, mice, and cats. The arrival of this weta is an exciting step in insect conservation, with hopes of a thriving population in the wild.

NOTICES 30 The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 Crossword Lions Helping Hand Any older or disabled person needing help with a task that a couple of Lions can do in an hour or two may ring Ian Frowde at 304 7127. A donation is welcome but not required. Garden products Order pea straw, sheep manure, sawdust, lime, mushroom compost & kindling at the Stihl Shop 246 Main St., or contact 021 226 2002 or [email protected] Join or help Lions Our 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 2406 or email [email protected] Firewood Community groups raise funds by raffling Lions firewood. Ask us! Lions wheelchair For visitors to our town. Kept at South Wairarapa Workingmen’s Club, 120 Main St—ask at the bar. Greytown Lions Lions annual fun quiz Raises money for valuable community initiatives. Lions Reading Help Community volunteers help Greytown School children with their reading. Learn ‘n Live Camps Each year Lions sponsor ten Greytown children to attend these life-changing camps at Riversdale. Lions book sale in the Town Centre, once or twice a year MARCH CROSSWORD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 MARCH Crossword Clues Across 1. & 6 down Greytown location for “Pick Your Own” apples (8,7) 7. Earlier, previous (5) 8. One of South Africa’s twelve official languages (9) 9. Fire residue (3) 10 & 11 Also known as NZ Transport Agency (Te Reo) (4,6) 13. Experienced & trusted advisor (6) 14. Protect, shield from harm (6) 17. A root vegetable in culinary terms only, not botanical (6) 18 & 16 down Greytown event 28 March 2025 (4,6) 20. Also known as (abbrev) (3) 22. Pleased, satisfied (9) 23. Kitchen implement (5) 24. Often distinctive outlines of cities’ buildings against horizon. (8) Down 1. The noise a cat makes (5) 2. Old English word for younger or lesser nobility eg princeling (7) 3. Means of transport: car, boat, train, plane (Te Reo) (4) 4. Public speaker (6) 5. Biblical mountain on which Moses was given the ten commandments (5) 6. cf clue 1 across (7) 7. Large lumbar to groin muscles used in flexing hips (7) 12. Pressure in an electrical circuit (7) 13. Wondrous, event which cannot be explained by natural & scientific laws (7) 15. Avoidance (7) 16. cf clue 18 across (6) 17. Tantrum (colloq) (5) 19. Recognition, admiration (5) 21. Face of clock, watch (4) Congratulations to one switched-on quizzer, who kindly wrote in to alert us to one big blunder in February’s crossword. How many others noted that the Arno River runs thro’ Florence and not Venice! We appreciate all feedback. It keeps us on our toes. R.O’B. This month’s crossword solution can be found on page ?? MARCH Crossword Clues Across 1. & 6 down Greytown location for “Pick Your Own” apples (8,7) 7. Earlier, previous (5) 8. One of South Africa’s twelve official languages (9) 9. Fire residue (3) 10 & 11 Also known as NZ Transport Agency (Te Reo) (4,6) 13. Experienced & trusted advisor (6) 14. Protect, shield from harm (6) 17. A root vegetable in culinary terms only, not botanical (6) 18 & 16 down Greytown event 28 March 2025 (4,6) 20. Also known as (abbrev) (3) 22. Pleased, satisfied (9) 23. Kitchen implement (5) 24. Often distinctive outlines of cities’ buildings against horizon. (8) Down 1. The noise a cat makes (5) 2. Old English word for younger or lesser nobility eg princeling (7) 3. Means of transport: car, boat, train, plane (Te Reo) (4) 4. Public speaker (6) 5. Biblical mountain on which Moses was given the ten commandments (5) 6. cf clue 1 across (7) 7. Large lumbar to groin muscles used in flexing hips (7) 12. Pressure in an electrical circuit (7) 13. Wondrous, event which cannot be explained by natural & scientific laws (7) 15. Avoidance (7) 16. cf clue 18 across (6) 17. Tantrum (colloq) (5) 19. Recognition, admiration (5) 21. Face of clock, watch (4) Congratulations to one switched-on quizzer, who kindly wrote in to alert us to one big blunder in February’s crossword. How many others noted that the Arno River runs thro’ Florence and not Venice! We appreciate all feedback. It keeps us on our toes. R.O’B. This month’s crossword solution can be found on page ?? MARCH Crossword Clues Across 1. & 6 down Greytown location for “Pick Your Own” apples (8,7) 7. Earlier, previous (5) 8. One of South Africa’s twelve official languages (9) 9. Fire residue (3) 10 & 11 Also known as NZ Transport Agency (Te Reo) (4,6) 13. Experienced & trusted advisor (6) 14. Protect, shield from harm (6) 17. A root vegetable in culinary terms only, not botanical (6) 18 & 16 down Greytown event 28 March 2025 (4,6) 20. Also known as (abbrev) (3) 22. Pleased, satisfied (9) 23. Kitchen implement (5) 24. Often distinctive outlines of cities’ buildings against horizon. (8) Down 1. The noise a cat makes (5) 2. Old English word for younger or lesser nobility eg princeling (7) 3. Means of transport: car, boat, train, plane (Te Reo) (4) 4. Public speaker (6) 5. Biblical mountain on which Moses was given the ten commandments (5) 6. cf clue 1 across (7) 7. Large lumbar to groin muscles used in flexing hips (7) 12. Pressure in an electrical circuit (7) 13. Wondrous, event which cannot be explained by natural & scientific laws (7) 15. Avoidance (7) 16. cf clue 18 across (6) 17. Tantrum (colloq) (5) 19. Recognition, admiration (5) 21. Face of clock, watch (4) Congratulations to one switched-on quizzer, who kindly wrote in to alert us to one big blunder in February’s crossword. How many others noted that the Arno River runs thro’ Florence and not Venice! We appreciate all feedback. It keeps us on our toes. R.O’B. This month’s crossword solution can be found on page ?? Noticeboard Crossword kindly supplied by Ruth O’Brien Solution: See page 29

NOTICES The Greytown Grapevine MARCH 2025 31 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. Noticeboard Greytown Songsters We 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 Songsters 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. Garage Sales Need more spare change in your pocket? Time to sell off those goodies that have been sitting at the back of your wardrobe gathering dust? If you would like a FREE Garage Sale Notice in the Greytown Grapevine, email [email protected] with date, time, location of your sale, and no more than 10 words describing your items. Submit by the 10th of each month. Sat 24 Aug, 6-10am 123 This Road, Greytown Toys, bikes, games, clothes, power tools, household items. Cash only. EXAMPLE Pet-sitting & House-sitting Services Call/text or email for availability and a free quote P 021 231 6975 E [email protected] • Experienced local pet-sitter • Short-term or longer-term services available • Pop-out and feed or stay-over options • Can provide local references • Very reasonable rates Greytown RSA Social Gathering Members, partners, friends Gathering 3rd Friday of every month 17.30 – 19.00 South Wairarapa Working Men’s Club South-east corner, main bar Come and meet your mates and enjoy the Club’s amenities ALL WELCOME. www.rsa.org.nz If you are interested in playing social golf croquet why not come along and enjoy the picnic atmosphere at this friendly Club. Beginners especially welcome, equipment supplied. Play commences at 3.30pm every Sunday from mid-October. fie court is located behind the swimming pool in Kuratawhiti Street, Greytown Ring Ron Walton 027 829 3971 for details. Greytown Croquet Club New Members Welcome South Wairarapa Workingmens’ Club – Card Club 1pm, 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. 8am every Saturday at the Woodside end of the Greytown Woodside Trail It’s 5km. It’s FREE. It’s TIMED. You can WALK it. You can RUN it. You can push a BABY CARRIER. You can bring your DOG. Go fast if you want. Go AT YOUR OWN PACE always. People of ALL AGES AND FITNESS LEVELS welcome. Join the POST-PARKRUN CATCH-UP at a Greytown cafe. Be part of a GLOBAL ONE-TIME REGISTRATION REQUIRED at parkrun.co.nz/greytownwoodsidetrail See also http://tiny.cc/avpacz Fingers crossed for level-1!

JOIN HEALTHFIT GREYTOWN & GET HEALTHFIT WELLINGTON FOR FREE! GET A 12-MONTH PLATINUM SUBSCRIPTION WITH US. AND YOU’LL GET 2 GYMS FOR THE PRICE OF ONE! Scan to book a 30min Free Consultation. Five Rivers Medical, 30 Bidwills Cutting Road, Greytown. [email protected] www.healthfit.co.nz