Archive: News

Community meetings – The Future of Wairarapa Local Government

The Government is progressing Simplifying Local Government reform, which could significantly change how councils and services are structured in the future. Across Wairarapa, the three councils are working through what…

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Advisory group established to strengthen rural and coastal representation

South Wairarapa District Council has confirmed the appointment of community members to its Rural and Coastal Advisory Group, following a successful expression of interest (EOI) process.  Mayor Fran Wilde said…

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Creative sparks fly in latest arts funding round 

South Wairarapa’s arts community is riding a well-funded wave of creativity with funding allocations from the latest Creative Communities Scheme this month.  Six applicants will share $10,600 of funds, supporting arts across the district:  Strong criteria in funding evaluation process  Applications were assessed on the strength of their ideas: the…

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Community Boards give funds to art, foodbank, emergency hub and more 

Greytown and Martinborough Community Boards have put their funding where their communities most need it with their latest grants going to everything from age concern, animal welfare and an art trail to musical therapy, a junior rugby…

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Funding lifeline to young sports people

Media advisory Travel grants are set to be a gamechanger for young sportspeople in South Wairarapa, who will collectively receive $10,850 of funds over the next month to get to…

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Star gazing – old observatory to have a new lease of life

Here is the latest news from our Community Operations team, which works across the district to strengthen facilities for the community. An old observatory in South Wairarapa is set to have a…

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Economic Growth Committee highlights: Exploring options for a new Wairarapa‑wide development agency

South Wairarapa District Council’s Economic Growth Committee has agreed to explore options for a potential new agency to support economic growth and attract investment across the wider Wairarapa region. The…

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Shining a celebratory glow on Booktown 

New lighting celebrates the 11th Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival from 8 to 10 May 2026 New lights at Featherston War Memorial will shine a yellow glow of celebration this weekend as the signature colour of the much‑loved Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival.  The new lights were installed in April…

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Safety improvements at Martinborough’s SH53 and Princess Street intersection

Safety improvements are on the way for State Highway 53 in Martinborough. As part of its Safety Improvements programme, the New Zealand Transport Agency | Waka Kotahi will be making…

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South Wairarapa’s rural roads next up for lower speed limits 

Media advisory 24 April 2026  South Wairarapa District Council is rolling out lower speed limits around the district’s rural roads from next week with new signage to support the changes.   The lower speed limits will impact roads across the district in…

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